Get Ready to Make a Wish! The Leonid Meteor Shower to Enliven Japan's Night Sky

In the pre-dawn hours of November 18, the Leonid meteor shower, known as the "しし座流星群" in Japan, is expected to light up the night sky across the country. This annual astronomical event, always an awaited spectacle, provides residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to witness 'shooting stars'. Viewers are advised to identify a dark, clear location, away from the city lights for the best viewing experience.

The popularity of stargazing in Japan makes events like the Leonid meteor shower a matter of societal interest, encouraged for its promotion of scientific curiosity and as a family-friendly, educational opportunity. It often fosters a sense of community as people gather in popular viewing spots or participate in organized stargazing events.

Similar to the United States and Europe, Japan promotes its astronomical events extensively. However, unlike urban areas in the US or EU, which often struggle with light pollution, many rural areas in Japan offer perfect unobstructed views of such celestial displays. Astronomical events are greatly popular among both communities, attracting citizen stargazers and professional astronomers alike.

Information for Your Country

For those outside of Japan, many astronomy websites provide online streaming of major meteor showers. Websites like NASA's Meteor Watch and the Virtual Telescope Project can provide high-quality live feed for the event.