The Leonid meteor shower will soon hit earth once again. These type of storms are very rare and most of the shooting stars are the result of tiny bits of material. According to Space.com temperatures can exceed 1,650 Celsius by a phenomenon called ram pressure, the same pressure a hand-held pump use to fill a bike tire.
When to see the Leonid meteor shower
This year’s Leonid meteor shower will peak on November 17-18, particularly on Saturday night and early the following morning.
The dazzling meteor shower may also be viewable in the days building up to the peak, as well as after.
In the UK the Leonid meteor shower will be most visible at 8pm on Saturday, November 17.
Where to watch the Leonid meteor shower
The Leonid meteor shower will be visible in just about any direction this year.
However, the shooting stars originate from the constellation Leo, where the Leonid meteor shower has also gotten its name from.
Leo is one of the easiest constellations to identify in the night sky.
The constellation lies between Cancer the crab to the west and Virgo the maiden to the east.
According to Space.com skywatchers in the Northern hemisphere will have an especially good shot at viewing the glaring shower.
But people in the Southern hemisphere should be able to get a good look at the bright lights as well.
NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke said: “They’re not quite as good, but almost as good.
“The Leonids are an OK shower from the Southern Hemisphere.”
How to see the Leonid meteor shower
The Leonid meteor shower can be easily viewed without any special equipment, so all you should need is to use your eyes and look up into the night sky.
Mr Cooke explained: “Go outside, find a dark sky, lie flat on your back and look straight up.”
And as the shooting stars take place during a cold time of year, Mr Cooke recommends people to dress warmly as skywatchers should “be prepared to spend a couple of hours outside.”