Lets Look at the Leonids 2026 (shooting stars!)

About this event

Come spot meteors with us for the 2nd biggest (ish) meteor shower of the year! We hope Wednesday night will be clear but I'll adjust this if it changes too much, the Friday 20th is a preferred backup option if possible (weekends easier late nights for many). Free event (though donations towards meetup and service fees\* via cash/card (https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QIH93GM9)/PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GTM57L4WH94UN), or offers of drinks, gratefully accepted). The Leonids meteors (http://meteorshowersonline.com/leonids.html) run from the 13th to 21st November every year (peaking 17-18th). Named due to their originating point ("radiant") appearing in the constellation of Leo, as the Earth flies through comet Tempel-Tuttle's tail debris in our orbit around the sun. BRING: This is simple: all you need is to dress up extra warmly, so you don't have to quit early! If inexperienced at cold nighttime astronomy outside, add around 2 extra clothing layers on top of what you think you need (ie. plan for being outside a few hours then add 2 more regular layers). Don't forget gloves, hat (highly recommended), scarf/similar, and thicker socks/shoes or boots suitable for grass. Thermal underwear is a great addon, heat packs can help too. Absolutely the best tool to see meteors with, is just your eyes and the ability to point them upwards for minutes at a time. Very beginner friendly! Optionally bring: reclining chairs/ rugs/sheets/ cushions/ sleeping bags/ space-blanket/ waterproof layers as you like (lying on your back is easiest way to see more of the sky without getting a tired neck and not to miss any, but also the coldest and possibly wettest if it rained recently). - it will get very cold late on if its a clear sky and we're on the cold ground (clouds act like a blanket so on a clear day/night, as we're hoping to have selected, it will get cold fast)! No need to bring telescope or binoculars - only if you like to look at other things and don't mind missing out on meteors (John will probably bring his). Cameras also welcome with a similar caveat (only useful for meteor photos if can do long exposures & with a tripod/other steady support); please don't use flash around us as it immediately wipes out our night-vision that takes minutes to adjust to again. Red torches are fine if you have them - they don't ruin your/our night vision when we're well adjusted to it. Otherwise do be careful where you point lights! There are smartphone apps or builtin settings on some smartphones that can dim and redden the display even more beyond your minimum setting to help retain your night vision too (don't forget to reset to normal before you get into daylight or it'll be impossible to see and cancel the extra darkening!). PLAN: We'll gather a crowd of us at the pub meet point. Please aim to be at the pub for the start or soon after if you can (or let us know ahead if late), you'll avoid your own stress worrying to find us and delaying us all. You'll have a say where we walk to, and we'll explain what to expect; you'll relax with the friendly group first, time for a brief drink if you wish (and arrive near the start time). We'll then walk to the common around 8pm (or earlier if people are there and ready in time). I expect we'll head for Tooting Common's cricket pitch just to the east and a little up Dr. Johnson Avenue (pitch is on grass to the right of that road), around 10-15mins walk. Though we will comment on the event to confirm exactly where, once we set off/get there. GETTING THERE: If you might arrive later, either take your chances finding us, or make sure you have my no. (see "how to find us" comment for the event, visible on event web page and phone app event location description). Works for WhatsApp/SMS/calls (though I can't always pick up; mention the group name if calling any other time). Public transport: 🚇Tooting Bec tube station is on the Northern line and nearest, via bus.. 🚌Bus 249/319 bus or 10