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Watch the Heavens Blaze: Witness the Breathtaking Leonid Meteor Shower this Weekend!

Every year around mid-November, stargazers turn their eyes to the sky in anticipation of the Leonid meteor shower. This year, the shower is expected to reach its peak during the pre-dawn hours of November 17. The shower, which is caused by the dust from comet Tempel-Tuttle, typically produces an average of 10 to 15 meteors per hour. The Leonid meteor shower occurs annually due to the Earth’s orbit passing through the dust debris left in the wake of the comet. While the comet itself is currently thousands of miles away, its dust interact with Earth’s atmosphere to produce a stunning celestial display. The Leonids are best seen from the Northern Hemisphere, but even those living in the Southern Hemisphere can still partake in the show. To best observe the meteor shower, stargazers should look to the east of the constellation Leo (the constellation from which the shower gets its name). If possible, find a spot that’s out of the city lights and away from light pollution. It’s also important to give your eyes time to adjust to the dark (20 minutes or so). Despite the fact that the Leonids usually produce only a moderate number of meteors, those that are lucky may catch a glimpse of an exceptionally bright and colorful shooting star. Although the odds of seeing such a star are incredibly slim, it’s always worth a try! The Leonid meteor shower is an annual event that’s sure to provide stargazers with a fantastic display. So, be sure to grab your blanket, head outside, and keep an eye on the sky this weekend!