Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Leonid Meteor Shower

More than 10 years ago during my secondary school years, I moved the couch outdoor to the porch in the middle of the night. Coupled with some blankets to keep myself warm and the mosquitoes away, I sat there and waited. Seconds passed. Then minutes. And hours. Not a single meteor appeared. Definitely no meteor shower. I was duped! (or maybe I fell asleep ;p)

That was Leonid Meteor Shower too. I can remember because, well, I'm Leo, the lion.

Today, Leonid Meteor Shower is posed for a comeback. And a grand one it is. Astronomers are predicting as many as 500 meteors per hour. Although the number is nothing compared to the ultimate Leonid Meteor Shower in 1833 with hundred thousands of meteors that literally lighted up the night sky, the number is still relatively a lot more compared to the last couple of years.

This year, the best place to observe Leonid Meteor Shower is Asia. The full Leonid peak will occur at predawn hours.

Let me see, Asia. Yes, I'm in Asia. Check.

Predawn hours. No problem, I have an alarm clock. Check.

Camera to capture the show. Check.

Camera battery fully charged. Check.

Empty memory card to record the whole sequence. Check.

Knowledge to operate the camera. Check.

Clear night sky...

Damn, it has been raining whole night. The past few nights as well. I have everything readied, except this one thing that is out of my control.

Where've you been, clear sky?

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