Carolinian

Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Life

Meteor showers occur throughout the year in various places and times. They are caused by the Earth intersecting small debris, like dust and rocks, that float in outer space in the Earth's orbital path. Once the Earth's atmosphere intercepts them, they burn up in a fiery display that is often beautiful and captivating. The next meteor shower will be on November 17 and 18 in the direction of the constellation Leo, hence the name Leonids. They are made by leftover debris that has fallen off of the comet Temple-Tuttle, and are usually quite prominent.

Meteors are often called shooting or falling stars due to their appearance, but they are in fact just rocks and ice that hit the atmosphere at several thousand miles per hour. The speed of the meteor causes intense friction in the Earth's atmosphere, and most burn up and disintegrate before ever reaching the ground. The rare few that do reach the ground are often small and are referred to as meteorites.

The best way to view a meteor shower is by watching them late at night away from the bright lights typical of the city, so if you live in Greensboro it is best to drive away from the city to avoid light pollution. The Leonids meteor shower will take place near the time of the new moon, so the moon's light will have little interference with viewing.

If you are not able to make this meteor shower, not to worry: there will be another in mid December, on the 13th and 14th. This meteor shower will also take place near the time of the new moon so the moon's light will not interfere with viewing.

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