Thread: Perseid Meteor Shower

We went out north of Mineral Wells State Park. The cloud cover broke nicely right when we got out there. The 70% moon didn't help matters, though. I probably saw about twenty-five or so in the few hours we spent out there, so I'll give it a "not bad".

Despite some light pollution, we saw quite a bit of the show.

From EarthSky.org:

November 17, 18, 2009 Leonids
Historically, the Leonids have produced some of the greatest meteor storms in history, with rates as high as many thousands of meteors per hour. These storms often recur in cycles of 33 years. During the last several years, we have seen more of a whimper than a growl from Leo the Lion, with a maximum of perhaps 10-15 meteors per hour. In 2009, astrronomers are anticipating on the possibility of a stronger return, with perhaps double the number of meteors – or maybe even a meteor storm. (Astronomers hasten to remind us: there are no guarantees!) But with the new moon falling on November 16, we’re guaranteed of dark skies, so the 2009 Leonid display is well worth checking out. Like the October Orionids, the Leonids tend to pick up steam after midnight and to put out the greatest meteor numbers just before dawn. Watch for these extremely swift, often bright Leonid meteors (half of which leave persistent trains!) between midnight and dawn on November 17 and 18.



I'll be on vacation that week, too. Watching the shower this week made me think how cool it would have been to have been watching it from the top of Enchanted Rock at the time. The top of Copper Breaks would be a prime spot, too.