Canberra, Tuesday November 13, 2001

ANU astronomers expect spectacular storm of shooting stars

In the pre-dawn hours of Monday November 19, early risers will be treated to the most spectacular storm of shooting stars in decades. Between 3.30 am and sunrise, tens of thousands of tiny meteors are expected to streak across our skies. Astronomers predict there may be as many as one shooting star every second.

"If you miss the best storm of shooting stars in your lifetime, you'll miss a great story to tell your grandkids", says ANU astronomer and one of the world's leading experts on these storms, Dr Rob McNaught. "It will be at least 60 years before Australia sees another storm to match it and astronomers from around the world are coming here to view this unique event."

Four of The Australian National University telescopes at Siding Spring Observatory, near Coonabarabran will be closely monitoring the event, while astronomers based here in the ACT at the Mount Stromlo Observatory, will also help keep track of the celestial shower.

Shooting stars are actually tiny meteors, grains of sand and gravel, flying through space at tens of thousands of kilometres per second. When they hit the Earth's upper atmosphere, they burn up, creating spectacular trails of light kilometres in length.

This cloud of minute meteors officially known as a "Leonid meteor shower" has quite a history. It formed after explosions on the surface of the comet Temple Tuttle over 100 years ago and has been orbiting the Sun ever since. Next Monday morning, will be the only opportunity to see the dense cloud of shooting stars disintegrate, as it plunges into our atmosphere.

Astronomers advise for the best view of the celestial light show, people need to get up at 3.30am and find the darkest place possible, away from street lights. The spectacular display will be seen in all parts of the sky, moving in a south-westerly direction.

Mount Stromlo Observatory is hosting a special viewing and breakfast to celebrate the event.

For more details contact: Mr Vince Ford at the Mount Stromlo Observatory on 02 6125 0261 or 0412 247 788, Dr Ralph Sutherland on 0403 194 161 or Dr Paul Francis on 02 6257 9263

91/2001

© 2000 Marketing & Communications Division,
The Australian National University.
Questions or Comments?

Last Modified Tue, July 16, 2002