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The Leonid meteor shower is named after the constellation Leo, which is located in roughly the same point of the night sky where the Leonid meteor shower appears to originate from.

The source of the Leonid meteor shower is actually debris from the comet Tempel-Tuttle. Every year, the earth passes through the debris cloud left by the comet as sand-sized specks enter the earth's atmosphere.

In comparison to other annual meteor shows the Leonids - despite their namesake - are more apt to distantly 'meow' than give off a stunning, spectacular roar.

When and where to look for Leonids 2012

This year's Leonids meteor shower will begin in the late night hours of November 16, but will really reach its peak just after midnight on November 17, 2012 and continue into the early morning hours.

Although the Leonids have been by comparison more spectacular in the recent past, expect only 15-20 meteors shooting by per hour. A waxing crescent moon this year will set around midnight, resulting in optimum peak viewing (weather permitting, of course) in 2012.

In North America, both Canada and US East Coast residents will have the best viewing in the southeastern sky, expected sometime after midnight on November 17 and peaking between 3:30 and 5:30 am ET.

How to view Leonids

The best place to observe the Leonid meteor shower (or any meteor shower for that matter), is somewhere dark, away from light pollution, and with the moon out of the field of vision. The less light visible, the more brilliant the meteor shower will be.

Telescope or camera?

While mostly viewable to the naked eye, the annual Leonid meteor show may be in any year partially obstructed by the moon, clouds or night mist, so amateur astronomers might want to carry along a pair of binoculars just in case. Even on clear nights, some type of viewing aid may come in handy for catching sight of even the faintest of falling stars, aptly named "telescopic" meteors. On super clear nights, forget the telescope and simply look up.

For photographing the annual event, a digital camera mounted on a tripod helps to steady the images that swiftly move across the sky. A quick trigger finger also helps, but even random clicks during the height of Leonid "prime-time" will also guarantee that you'll catch something! Be sure to have the camera focused on infinity and, if your camera permits, leave the shutter open for several minutes for the most spectacular photographic effects.

More about Leonid meteor showers around the Web:

2012 Meteor Showers - Good overview with dates of major meteor showers throughout the year plus general tips for best viewing, including photos and related information.

Leonids - Wikipedia - Extensive background facts and historical information on Leonid sightings through the centuries, with photos and illustrations, related references and resources.

Meteors: A Primer - Brief but informative overview of common terms that help identify various sizes and types of meteors.

also see in Science --> Astronomy photo gallery

Perseids meteor shower | Orionids meteor shower

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