Leonids 2003:
Predictions for the Pacific
On the night of Nov. 13–14, Earth brushed past one of three small trails of comet dust released in 1499. Preliminary results suggest that the encounter went much as predicted by Jérémie Vaubaillon and Esko Lyytinen (see graphs at the bottom of this page).
On Nov. 11, Lyytinen suggested that Earth's encounter with a newer trail would also be visible throughout this region on Nov. 19–20. The trail consists of material ejected in 1733, and Lyytinen believes that it probably represents one of the components that make up the Filament.
Since the phase of the moon is more favorable for seeing meteors on this date, it represents the best chance for Pacific Rim observers to catch a Leonid. Because of its relative youth and possible association with the Filament, the 1733 stream may produce brighter meteors than the 1499 and 1533 trails.
The best observing opportunities will come to observers in Alaska and Hawaii (before dawn on Nov. 19) and Japan and eastern Asia (after midnight on Nov. 20).
Predictions for Nov. 19–20
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Predictions for Nov. 13–14
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See also:
