Leonid Meteor Shower 2012 Peak: Weather Forecast and Tips for Viewing

As you hang holiday lights and light the candles, cast your eyes upon the universe's natural fireworks as well.

Check out these two astronomical events coming up this month and in December.

Nov. 17: Leonid Meteor Shower

After years of heavier-than-average showers, the famous Leonids have returned and are expected to peak on Nov. 17 in the pre-dawn hours. These meteors are fast (about 40 miles per second) and can leave trails of smoke, according to Astronomy.com. They will appear to radiate from the constellation Leo the Lion.

"Many Leonids are also bright. Usually, the meteors are white or bluish-white, but in recent years some observers reported yellow-pink and copper-colored ones," according to the website.

The weather forecast for Gwinnett County looks to be chilly, but with a very slight chance (10 percent) for rain this weekend. Overnight lows will be the high 30s, so be sure to dress in wamr clothes.

Space.com has a number of tips for watching the Leonids. The site also has some spectacularLeonids photos. And here's a Youtube video of the Leonid meteor shower.

To see the Leonids, lie outside in a dark place between midnight and dawn. Point your feet east and look carefully.

Dec. 13: Geminid Meteor Shower

The last shooting star cluster before New Year's is the Geminid Meteor Shower, expected to peak in the pre-dawn hours after midnight between Dec. 13 and Dec. 15.

They will be visible in all parts of the sky and streak through the sky at more than 50 meteors per hour, almost a meteor a minute, according to EarthSky.com. The new moon is expected to fall on Dec. 13, making for optimal dark skies—as long as you avoid city lights and clouds, the website states.  

Be sure to schedule a night this season to bundle up, lay out some blankets (if it's dry) and enjoy the light show in the sky. 

Share your tips for photographing the showers. Tell us your favorite places to sneak off to view the skies.