A magical shower of shooting stars and a peak of 15 meteors per hour to be seen with the naked eye: this is the grandiose spectacle currently in store for us in the Paris skies thanks to the Leonids. Come and enjoy the show from the evening of Monday November 17!
The superb Leonids show returns
As autumn advances and the days grow shorter, the skies reserve one of their most beautiful rendezvous of the year. After the famous Perseids, it’s now the turn of the Leonids swarm to cross the atmosphere, offering us a beautiful spectacle. Amateur astrologers and the curious will have the opportunity to look up and admire one of the most interesting celestial phenomena to watch.
The origin of these meteors can be traced back to the comet Tempel-Tuttle. Each time it passes, its dust leaves a luminous trail along its trajectory, which is flamed red, yellow or green by the atmosphere. Astronomers speak of chlorine or carmine fragments, as if the fire in the sky decided to manifest itself in unexpected shades. The constellation Leo, where these shooting stars begin, offers a visual landmark from midnight onwards.
The perfect time to observe these brilliant streaks is when light pollution is minimal. It’s therefore advisable to find an open space facing east, away from urban headlights. When the sky is clear, it will be possible to see up to fifteen meteors per hour, with falling speeds in excess of 70 km / s. The show should continue until dawn, illuminating the whole night.
To maximize the experience, it’s best to plan ahead: arrive before midnight under clear skies, pack warm clothes and a comfortable seat, lie back and wait. On a cold night, the contrast with the shooting light becomes even more striking.