Moonlight will hinder the Leonids meteors in 2022
The height morning for 2022’s Leonid meteor shower is November 18. However – sadly – this 12 months a fats waning crescent moon, only one day previous final quarter, will intervene. However that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t watch the Leonids in 2022. Right here’s the way to decrease the moon and optimize the 2022 Leonids.
1. Optimize your evening sky for meteors
This could go with out saying, however only a reminder to keep away from metropolis lights. A large open space – a discipline or a lonely nation highway – is finest should you’re severe about watching meteors. Go to EarthSky’s Best Places to Stargaze to discover a darkish location close to you.
2. Discover a moon shadow
On nights when the moon is full, or practically full, you’ll discover that the moon casts shadows. Whenever you’re on the market watching the Leonids in 2022, don’t stand beneath a large open sky. As an alternative, discover a moon shadow someplace that also supplies you with a large expanse of sky for meteor-viewing. A plateau space with high-standing mountains to dam out the moon would work simply high-quality. For those who can’t try this, discover a hedgerow of timber bordering a large open discipline someplace (although get hold of permission, if it’s personal land). Or just sit within the shadow of a barn or different constructing. Ensconced inside a moon shadow, and much from the glow of metropolis lights, the evening hastily darkens and may help you see extra meteors. You possibly can’t run from the moon, however you’ll be able to positive cover from it.
3. Look rigorously on the meteors
For many meteor showers, it’s all about the rely. Meteor-watchers like to rely what number of meteors they see in, say, an hour. However when the moon is obscuring the view, your meteor rely might be method down. So, as an alternative of counting, take a look at every meteor you do see rigorously. Discover the pace and colours, if any, of the meteors. Discover whether or not, as they streak via your sky, the meteors “pop” with brightness immediately.
Additionally, look ahead to meteor trains. A meteor practice is a persistent glow within the air, left by some meteors after they’ve pale from view. Trains are brought on by luminous ionized matter left within the wake of this incoming space particles. Onerous to see within the moonlight, however look ahead to them!
4. Look ahead to earthgrazers and fireballs
Earthgrazers. Most meteor showers are finest after midnight, and the Leonids aren’t any exception. In actual fact, the Leonids are usually richest shortly earlier than daybreak, when their radiant level – within the constellation Leo – is excessive within the sky. However you may as well strive anticipating meteors in late night. And late night is one of the best time to catch what’s known as an earthgrazer: a brilliant, long-lasting meteor that travels horizontally throughout the sky. Earthgrazers are uncommon however memorable, should you’re fortunate sufficient to identify one.
Fireballs. Even in brilliant moonlight, you would possibly see a particularly brilliant meteor. Astronomers name them fireballs, and you’ve got a shot at seeing one whereas watching a meteor bathe. In contrast to the meteors in annual showers – which begin out no greater than rice grains and are bits left behind by icy comets – a fireball begins as a bigger, rockier object. So, fireballs aren’t essentially a part of the meteor bathe. However should you occur to be outdoors watching a meteor bathe, you would possibly see one! For those who do, you can report it here.
5. Make your self comfy
Convey alongside a blanket, some pals, a sizzling drink and a garden chair. You’ll be extra comfy with a reclining garden chair. If a number of of you might be watching, take completely different components of the sky. For those who see one, shout “Meteor!” Let your eyes rove casually in all components of the sky. Costume warmly, the nights could be cool or chilly, even throughout the spring and summer time months. You’ll in all probability admire that blanket and heat drink within the wee hours of the morning. Additionally, depart your laptops and tablets dwelling; even utilizing the nighttime darkish mode will break your evening imaginative and prescient.
6. Take pleasure in nature
Not each meteor bathe is a winner. Generally, you come away having seen just one meteor. However take into account this. If that one meteor is a fairly one, or a colourful one, or it takes a gradual path throughout a starry evening sky, then it was price it. Possibly you merely loved being outdoors, bathing within the moonlight, smelling the evening air and chatting with a buddy. Heaven!
From a veteran sky photographer
Backside line: A really brilliant moon that’s up all evening will do its finest to drown out the 2022 Leonid meteor bathe. Listed here are some suggestions for having fun with the moonlit Leonids in 2022.
