LEONID METEOR SHOWER

The Leonid meteor shower of 2010 is peaking this week and the best time to see the sky show is NOW. The annual Leonids Should Be at Their Best through Nov. 18, According to skywatching experts. Avid meteor gazers graced with clear skies see Between May 15 and 20 meteors per hour.

The best time to try to see the Leonids are in the last two or Three hours before sunrise, "when the moon has set.

"From the time of moonset Until around 5:15 am - When the first streaks of dawn begin Thurs Appear in the East n the sky will be dark and moonless, "advises Joe Rao of SPACE.com.

"That interval will Provide You With Your Best Opportunity To See Any of Leonid meteors."

Also, NASA recommends you watch is from moonset, But They Also suggest you read GOING mutant, while you wait. You Can Get Going MUTANT ... RIGHT HERE.

Another tip: Make sure to stay warm and get comfortable. Astronomers recommend you wear a Snuggie.

"If you have a lawn chair reclines That, use it DURING your search for Leonid meteors since it will help keep your neck from getting stiff as well as Make It Easier Thurs look at the night sky," Rao said.

The Leonid meteor shower is an annual event every Returns That mid-November. The shower is caused by material left behind the comet Tempel-Tuttle passes near it "when Earth's orbit DURING ITS regular trip through the Solar System.

When the Earth passes through comet These knots of material, the gas and dust Flares up in the atmosphere, "Creating spectacular meteors.

Every 33 years, the Earth encounters a dense knot of material - most recently in 2002 - to Create Dazzling displays of shooting stars. Those showers during Easy, It Can Be Possible to see Hundreds or Thousands of meteors per hour.

That Is not the case this year Because the Earth is passing through a less dense area of Comet Tempel-Tuttle's trail, Rao said.

Still, the Leonids retain a reputation for offering impressive meteor displays.

But with Fewer meteors EE this year, May you want to travel a bit to find the best spot. Meteor-gazing from a rooftop in Suburbia doesn't always offer the best view, though if you stay up there long Enough for you to see Santa Claus.