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The skies in the Western Pacific will provide the perfect backdrop for the Leonid meteor storm that is predicted to appear in the early morning hours of November 19, 2001 over Guam. According to noted astronomer Tom Van Flandern, this will be the largest meteor show on earth for the next 30 years. "The island of Guam optimizes clear-sky probabilities and accessibility and also offers a beautiful tropical setting" says Von Flandern. "For the star-gazer and the vacationer, this is an excellent time to visit the island paradise." Von Flandern adds that the moon will be three days past new and below the horizon at the time of the meteor storm, which will further improve viewing conditions.

A meteor storm is significantly more active than a meteor shower. A meteor shower typically produces 30 to 60 meteors per hour. A meteor storm produces more than 1000 meteors per hour by definition. This particular storm is expected to light up the sky with 6100 meteors per hour.

Astronomer Von Flandern is heading an expedition to visit Guam in November with Eclipse Edge Expeditions. This expedition will include lectures by Von Flandern on how to best view and photograph the stellar spectacle. For information on the expedition and how to join it, contact Paula Foggo of Perry Travel at (800) 371-9361, or by email at foggo66@hotmail.com, or log on to the Eclipse Edge website for more information.

Edited by Nicole Cerchio

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