Daily Current Affairs : 18-November-2023

Skywatchers around the world, including India, are gearing up for a breathtaking cosmic display—the Leonid Meteor Shower. This celestial event, which commenced on November 6, is anticipated to reach its pinnacle in the pre-dawn hours of November 17–18, 2023.

Leonid Meteor Shower: A Glimpse into the Cosmos

Origin of Leonid Meteor Shower: The mesmerizing Leonid meteor shower is a result of the remnants of the Tempel-Tuttle comet. As this comet completes its orbit around the sun every 33 years, it leaves behind a trail of dust and debris, marking the genesis of this celestial spectacle.

Peak Period and Naming: A regular annual occurrence, the Leonid meteor shower traditionally hits its zenith in mid-November. Its nomenclature is derived from the Leo constellation, as the meteors seem to radiate from this specific celestial region.

Behind the Celestial Curtain: Comet Tempel-Tuttle’s Journey

Comet Tempel-Tuttle: The celestial choreography of the Leonid meteor shower is choreographed by the Tempel-Tuttle comet, completing its orbit every 33 years. This periodicity sets the stage for Earth’s regular encounters with the comet’s debris.

Formation of Dust Cloud: As Tempel-Tuttle nears the sun, it undergoes a warming process, liberating vast amounts of material that coalesce into a dense cloud of dust and gas around the comet. This cloud, faithfully shadowing the comet’s orbital path, gradually disperses over time.

Earth’s Annual Encounter: A Dance with the Cosmos

Annual Earth Crossing: Each mid-November, Earth gracefully intersects the orbit of Tempel-Tuttle, potentially colliding with the comet’s lingering dust cloud. This fortuitous cosmic rendezvous forms the foundation of the awe-inspiring Leonid meteor shower.

Meteor Formation and Light Show: The magic unfolds as dust particles from the comet’s debris hurtle into Earth’s atmosphere at astonishing speeds, approximately 70 km/s. The ensuing friction ignites the particles, creating luminous streaks in the night sky—captured by enthusiasts as meteors during the Leonid meteor shower.

Meteor Storms: Adding a touch of unpredictability, the Leonids occasionally treat skywatchers to meteor storms. These rare occurrences feature a heightened influx of meteors during specific years, enhancing the celestial spectacle for lucky onlookers.

Important Points:
  • Leonid Meteor Shower Overview:
    • Originates from debris of the Tempel-Tuttle comet.
    • Peaks annually in mid-November.
    • Named after the Leo constellation, the apparent radiant point.
  • Comet Tempel-Tuttle’s Role:
    • Tempel-Tuttle completes orbit every 33 years.
    • Warming near the sun releases material forming a dense dust and gas cloud.
    • Cloud follows the comet’s orbit, gradually dispersing.
  • Annual Earth Crossing:
    • Mid-November marks Earth crossing Tempel-Tuttle’s orbit.
    • Potential encounter with the comet’s dust cloud.
  • Meteor Formation and Light Show:
    • Dust particles from comet debris enter Earth’s atmosphere at 70 km/s.
    • Friction with the atmosphere ignites particles, creating luminous meteors.
    • Leonid meteor shower observed as bright streaks in the night sky.
  • Meteor Storms:
    • Leonids are known for occasional meteor storms.
    • Meteor storms involve a higher influx of meteors during specific years.
Why In News

Many skywatchers in India and around the globe are poised for a cosmic treat—the Leonid Meteor Shower, which has already been underway since November 6, is set to reach its peak in the pre-dawn hours of November 17–18, 2023, offering enthusiasts a spectacular celestial display as the Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet Tempel-Tuttle.

MCQs about The Marvels of the Leonid Meteor Shower 2023

  1. What causes the Leonid Meteor Shower?
    A. Debris from Halley’s Comet
    B. Remnants of the Tempel-Tuttle comet
    C. Solar wind interactions
    D. Asteroid collisions
    Correct Answer: B. Remnants of the Tempel-Tuttle comet
    Explanation: The Leonid Meteor Shower is caused by the dust and debris left behind by the Tempel-Tuttle comet.
  2. When does the Leonid Meteor Shower typically reach its peak?
    A. Early December
    B. Mid-January
    C. Mid-November
    D. Late October
    Correct Answer: C. Mid-November
    Explanation: The Leonid Meteor Shower usually peaks in mid-November each year.
  3. Why is the Leonid Meteor Shower named “Leonid”?
    A. Named after a famous astronomer
    B. Derived from Greek mythology
    C. After the Leo constellation
    D. In honor of a space mission
    Correct Answer: C. After the Leo constellation
    Explanation: The shower is named after the Leo constellation, as the meteors appear to radiate from this celestial region.

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