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Meteor shower orbit prediction
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Meteor shower orbit prediction
The Leonids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Temple??Tuttle, which are also known for their spectacular meteor storms that occur about every 33 years. A shower was predicted in 1899, but it never happened as the stream had been directed more towards the sun than had been predicted. The drawings show the predicted streams for the comet shower every year and the orbits around the sun. Date: circa 1899
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Media ID 32251362
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1899 Circles Comet Data Drawn Incorrect Meteor Orbits Physics Predictions Shower Showers Streams Tuttle Years Leonids
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image from the late 19th century depicts the predicted orbits of the Leonid meteor shower, associated with Comet Temple-Tuttle. The Leonids are a renowned meteor shower, known for their prolific display of shooting stars and the occasional spectacular meteor storms that occur approximately every 33 years. In 1899, scientists eagerly anticipated another such event, as they had calculated the stream's trajectory based on previous observations and the comet's known orbit around the sun. The intricately drawn diagram illustrates the predicted meteor shower orbits for several years, with the inner circles representing the comet's orbit around the sun and the outer circles representing the meteor streams. The overlapping circles indicate the expected peak of the meteor shower, with the densest concentration of circles representing the most intense display. Unfortunately, the 1899 Leonid meteor shower did not live up to expectations. The calculations had been based on incomplete data, and the stream was actually directed more towards the sun than had been predicted. Despite this setback, the scientific community remained undeterred, continuing to study the comet and its meteor shower, refining their calculations and expanding their knowledge of the celestial bodies in our solar system. This image serves as a testament to the Victorian era's fascination with the natural world and the scientific advances of the time. The intricate drawings and meticulous calculations demonstrate the dedication and curiosity of scientists during an era when the mysteries of the universe were just beginning to be unraveled.
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