NASA Invites Public to View Leonid Meteor Shower November 17

The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center and its partner the Delmarva Space Sciences Foundation will host a viewing event from 8 – 11 p.m., Nov. 17, for the Leonid Meteor Shower.

Kim Check, NASA Visitor Center manager, said, “Our Astronomy Nights this year have been extremely popular with the public. The Leonid Meteor Shower event will be our last astronomy night this year and we hope that it is memorable for all who attend.”

The event at the Visitor Center includes night sky and possible meteor observations. The meteor shower with be visible with the naked eye as it radiates from a point within the constellation Leo the Lion. The waxing crescent moon also will be examined with high-powered telescopes along with several other deep sky objects. Astronomy-themed movies, hands-on activities and crafts will be available throughout the evening.

Bob Lingo, chief executive officer of the Delmarva Space Sciences Foundation, said, “Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through a comet’s stream of debris. During this year’s Leonid shower, we expect to see approximately 15 meteors per hour.”

The event, free and open to the public, is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

The NASA Visitor Center, located on Va. Rt. 175 about six miles from U.S. Route 13 and five miles from Chincoteague, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the Leonid Shower viewing event or the Visitor Center, Call 757-824-1344 or visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/visitorcenter