Leo Minorid Meteor Shower
Rapidly Rising on Google Trends JP
The Leo Minorid meteor shower is rapidly rising on Google Trends JP as it reaches its peak activity on December 22-23, 2023. This annual meteor shower is known for its faint meteors and low hourly rates, but it can still offer an enjoyable display for observers under favorable conditions.
Characteristics of the Leo Minorid Meteor Shower:
- Radiant point: Leo Minor constellation
- Peak activity: December 22-23, 2023
- ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate): 5-10
- Speed: 31 kilometers per second (19 miles per second)
- Duration: December 4-31
Observing the Leo Minorid Meteor Shower:
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere can look for the Leo Minorid meteor shower in the direction of the radiant point in the constellation Leo Minor. The best time to observe is typically around midnight local time, when the radiant is highest in the sky.
Due to the low hourly rates and faint nature of the meteors, observers may need to be patient and persistent. They should find a location with minimal light pollution and give their eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Using a pair of binoculars can help enhance the visibility of the meteors.
Origin of the Leo Minorid Meteor Shower:
The Leo Minorid meteor shower is associated with the comet C/2002 Y1 (Juels-Holvorcem). As the comet orbits around the Sun, it sheds dust and debris into its wake. When Earth passes through this debris trail, the particles interact with the Earth’s atmosphere and produce meteors.
Additional Notes:
- The Leo Minorid meteor shower is often overshadowed by the more prominent Geminids meteor shower, which peaks a few days later.
- The name “Leo Minorid” comes from the constellation Leo Minor, which is the radiant point of the meteor shower.
- While the Leo Minorid meteor shower typically has low activity levels, there have been occasional outbursts with higher rates.
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Please search for “しし座流星群” which is rapidly rising on Google Trends JP and explain in detail. Answers should be in English.
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