If you’re out on a clear night this weekend, look up. You have a good chance of spotting a “shooting star,” during the annual Leonidmeteor shower.Leo’s in the sky in early morning and an optical illusion makes it looks like all the meteors are shooting toward earth from the constellation Leo. Iowa State University physicist Dr Leanne Wilson explains a meteor shower signals the earth’s passage through an area full of debris left by a comet.There’s more of that “garbage” in some parts of the comet’s orbit, and it passed by not long ago so there’s plenty of stuff. The rate of shooting stars will peak on Saturday night, though you could spot a few any clear night this week. Any danger you’ll be hit by a meteorite?She says it’s very small, only a few this century came close, and the particles are small enough to burn up falling through the air. Dr Wilson says you won’t need a telescope to see the show in the night sky.In fact, it helps not to have a telescope, since they may burn up and flash anywhere in the sky. The Iowa State University physics professor says to get a good look at the meteor shower, dress warmly and choose a comfortable lawn chair.
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