Space Place sponsors Leonid meteor shower watch

Astronomers predict that early Sunday, Nov. 18, will be the last opportunity in the next 100 years to see the Leonid meteors produce a meteor storm like the ones of 1833, 1866 and 1966.

In those years, the Leonid swarm produced thousands of meteors per hour and gave an awesome sight to all who witnessed them. UW Cooperative Extension has arranged for Madison’s Wingra Park to be darkened in the predawn hours Sunday for skywatchers. From 11 p.m. until dawn, Cooperative Extension, UW Space Place and Madison Astronomical Society members will keep an eye to the sky, and the public is welcome.

The meteor storm could last anywhere from a few minutes to some hours at best. The predicted peak time for Madison is about 4 a.m. Nov. 18, and the predicted peak rate (less reliable than the predicted peak time) is about 4,000 meteors per hour.

The meteor storm is not expected to be a threat to anyone on the ground.

For information, contact Jim Lattis, director, UW Space Place, (608) 263-0360.