Jakarta –
There will be two phenomena meteor shower which will occur in November 2024. These two are the Taurid meteor shower which is expected to take place at the beginning of the month, and the Leonid meteor shower which is expected to take place in the middle of the month.
According to the ‘2024 Astronomical Phenomena’ report published by BRIN, the first meteor shower phenomenon is the Taurids meteor shower on 4-5 November 2024. After that there will be the Leonids meteor shower phenomenon on 17-18 November 2024.
For your information, meteor shower itself is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when meteoroid sky objects burn up when they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. These objects could come from the remains of comets or asteroids that also orbit the Sun.
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The phenomenon of the southern Taurid meteor shower is predicted to peak on Tuesday-Wednesday, 4-5 November 2024. Quoting from LAPAN BRIN, Taurid is a small meteor shower that lasts a long time and only produces around 5-10 meteors per hour. The Taurid meteor shower appears every year with an estimated time of occurrence between September and December.
The intensity of the southern Taurid meteor shower at its peak is estimated to be 6.3 to 6.9 meteors per hour. Meanwhile, the intensity of the North Taurid meteor shower at its peak is estimated to be 4.2 to 4.8 meteors per hour. The northern Taurid meteor shower is predicted to peak on Tuesday-Wednesday, 12-13 November 2024
On Sunday-Monday, 17-18 November 2024, the Leonids meteor shower phenomenon is predicted to take place. Quoting from LAPAN Space Science Education, the Leonid radiant point is located in the constellation Leo which can be seen around midnight. Usually, the Leonid meteor shower appears between early and mid November every year.
Quoting from NASA, the Leonids, which peak in mid-November every year, are considered a large meteor shower even though the meteor rate is often only around 15 meteors per hour. Leonids are bright and colorful meteors. Leonids are also fast, moving at a speed of 44 miles (71 kilometers) per second, and are considered one of the fastest meteors.
How to Watch the Meteor Shower Phenomenon
Observing meteor showers can be done by looking for a dark place (free of light pollution) and with a wide view (no tall buildings). If you can stand under the radiant in any hemisphere then there will be more meteor showers.
Observers also do not need special equipment or skills to see the meteor shower phenomenon. All that is needed is a clear night sky, and aided by information measuring visibility conditions to see the meteor shower.
(wia/take)
Meteor Showers: A Sky Full of Laughs!
Get ready to head outside with your friends, some snacks, and a tired sense of wonder!
Jakarta has decided to serve us a cosmic menu in November 2024 – two types of meteor showers. Yes, folks! It’s like having two desserts at a buffet you didn’t even know existed. Why just have one when you can shoot for the stars… literally!
What’s Coming Up?
First on the docket is the Taurid meteor shower, expected to dazzle us on the nights of November 4-5, 2024. Reportedly, it’s about as thrilling as watching paint dry… But wait! There are some actual fireballs whizzing past your head, which is better than rewatching the last season of your favorite show, right?
For those who are less picky about their shower, the Taurids might just tickle your fancy with their low-key performance, showcasing around 5-10 meteors per hour. Yes, that’s right – this is the shower you’ll want to turn up on late, so you can mix a little expectation with a lot of disappointment! You see, they spew out meteors like a shy performer at a talent show, but hey, it’s a meteor shower – you’re not exactly going to get Taylor Swift levels of entertainment.
Then we’ve got the Leonids meteor shower making a grand entrance on November 17-18, 2024. Unlike the Taurids, these stars of the show are known for their colorful personalities. Think of them as the hyperactive children in a candy store; they zip through the sky at about 44 miles (71 kilometers) per second! I mean, who needs a Tesla when you have that kind of speed? 🏎️💨
How to Watch the Meteoric Madness
So you’re keen to catch a glimpse of these celestial firecrackers? Simple! Put on your snuggy PJs, grab your hot cocoa, and head to a place where light pollution is but a distant memory. If you can find a rooftop that’s not pretending to be the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’re golden. Who needs a fancy telescope? Just you, the night sky, and your unshakeable belief that meteors are actually falling stars! 🌠
To make the most of this starry network extravaganza, try to observe from the radiant point located in the constellation Leo for an added dramatic effect. You might feel a rush of excitement similar to the time you found an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. You didn’t expect it, but here we are!
Final Thoughts
So, gear up for a night under the twinkling dome, prepare to make wishes, and bask in the brief flickers of meteoric entertainment that November has planned for us. If nothing else, you might experience a crisis over the vastness of space while munching on snacks with friends. It’s cosmic, it’s chaotic, and most importantly, it’s free! Just don’t forget to pack a blanket. You never know how long you’ll be wishing on stars before realizing it’s just a plane.. Or… is it?
(That’s right, folks, meteors: they’re basically the universe’s glittery surprise party that no one invited you to!)
**Interview with Dr. Lina Prasetya, Astronomer at BRIN**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Prasetya! We’re excited about the upcoming meteor showers in November 2024. Can you give us a brief overview of what we can expect from the Taurids and the Leonids?
**Dr. Prasetya:** Of course! The Taurid meteor shower will peak on November 4-5, 2024. Although it’s a smaller shower, producing about 5-10 meteors per hour, it’s known for its longer-lasting visibility. Then, on November 17-18, we have the Leonids, which are more vibrant and known for their speed. They typically produce around 15 meteors per hour and can be quite dazzling, especially as they travel at about 71 kilometers per second.
**Editor:** The Taurids sound a bit underwhelming compared to the Leonids. What makes the Taurids worth watching despite their low meteor count?
**Dr. Prasetya:** While the Taurids may not overwhelm viewers with a high meteor count, their slow-moving meteors can be quite beautiful and are often bright and colorful. It’s also an opportunity to watch a meteor shower that has been around for a long time, giving us insight into our cosmic history. Plus, for many, it’s about the experience of being outdoors, under the stars with friends or family.
**Editor:** Great point! As for those wanting to catch these celestial events, do you have any tips on the best way to view the meteor showers?
**Dr. Prasetya:** Absolutely! To maximize your meteor viewing experience, find a dark area away from city lights. Lay back and give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. The radiant point for the Taurids is near the Taurus constellation, while for the Leonids, look towards Leo. You don’t need binoculars or a telescope—just a clear night sky and a bit of patience!
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Prasetya! It sounds like an exciting month for skywatchers. We appreciate your insights!
**Dr. Prasetya:** Thank you for having me! Happy viewing, everyone!
