10

Watch for Fireballs

The promise of fireballs provides ample reason not to miss the 2002 Leonid meteor shower, no matter how pesky the Moon threatens to be. These bright meteors result from larger bits of debris entering the atmosphere [learn more].

There’s nothing special you need to do. But take this warning with you: Last year, my wife happened to be looking down for an instant when the morning’s best fireball came. She saw its effects as it lit up the sky, but she did not view it directly.

A split-second of inattention can alter your Leonid experience dramatically. That’s why tips 1-9 are all important. Enjoy the show!

• Special Report: 2002 Leonid Meteor Shower
  Full global and local forecast, with city-by-city charts, plus photos, videos and the science of the shower
• Leonid Photo Galleries
  Pictures from the 2001 meteor storm

Map the Leonids
Use Starry Night software to map the Leonids radiant from your location, plus explore any celestial object or phenomenon from your desktop.

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