While this is non-earthquake related, it is probably of interest to a number of readers
of this board.
In the early morning hours of November 18, sky watchers across North America
may be treated to one of the most spectacular displays of shooting stars we're likely
to see for a generation.
The Leonid meteor shower should be visible over the U.S. between 12:00 a.m.
and 2:00 a.m. PST with as many as 800 meteors per hour. The moon will be out
of sight, so optimal viewing conditions will prevail. It is best to plan to go to
an area where light pollution is minimal - away from a populated area, any pray
for cloudless conditions.
These storms occur about every 33 years, but it is expected that this year the
earth will encounter debris streams of 1767, 1699 and 1866, 1633, 1666 and 1799
this year for a spectacular display. It is thought by folks at NASA that Hawaii
may offer the best viewing in the U.S.
Rob McNaught, of the Australian National University in Weston believes that
the most intense fireworks will appear over Australia and East Asia - so you readers
in New Zealand may get a good view too - (to Jen and others).
The meteors will appear to originate from Leo's sickle. Lie down in a comfortable
deck chair away from buildings, trees and use your naked eye and watch the
general region of the constellation Leo.
Next year's shower could be even more intense, but will occur at a nearly full
moon, so don't miss it this year.
Sky watching can be great fun. Some years ago Chris in Suburbia and I went
to the beach in So. California and watched for the green flash at sunset - never
did catch it, but my sister-in-law claims to have seen it once in Florida. So
get a little early sleep on Nov. 17 and enjoy the fireworks later.