This year, the long-awaited Leonid Meteor shower will peak around mid-November. A city platform organising astronomy-centric events and tours, offers enthusiasts a chance to catch this spectacle, just a few hours away from Mumbai
A view of the stars, as observed over one hour via an Intervalometer
Astronomy aficionados in the city have a great opportunity to catch the celestial spectacle of the annual Leonid Meteor showers during a camping trip titled Starry Night in Bhandardara. This is being conducted by Stargazing Mumbai, an organisation that specialises in educational astronomy tours and camping trips.
“The trip starts on November 15, but since the Leonid shower will peak from November 16 to 17, participants have the chance to catch it in the first half of that period. Another trip begins on November 17 as well. Both will be held in the Sahyadris,” informs Aman Singh, senior science communicator and core team member at Stargazing Mumbai. “Usually, one trip includes 120 to 130 participants; for this one, we currently have 75 to 80 bookings. Participants arrive at Kasara or Atgaon railway station (depending on the group size) from where we offer a bus ride till the Stargazing Mumbai Bhandardara Observation Site, which takes roughly three hours. Otherwise, there’s always the option to commute via a private vehicle.”
A rare moment on camera, of a large meteor falling during a previous trip
On arrival, attendees can expect to undergo an orientation session to introduce them to all the sky’s wonders, along with some sightseeing opportunities and evening snacks. Singh elaborates, “There will be some storytelling related to constellations, and later, we have a few intermittent observation sessions involving telescope viewing, followed by a presentation, discussion, and Q & A session with astronomy experts.” Eventually, at 2 am, participants lie down on mats together to catch the meteor showers. He adds, “There are also mobile astrophotography sessions for those interested. These include star trails and landscape Milky Way photography.”
Participants get ready to observe the night sky at a campsite for meteors, during a previous session. Pics courtesy/stargazing mumbai
After a rest period, the following morning includes breakfast, and sunspot gazing via solar filters on telescopes, to observe solar activity. “There will be 10 to 12 people from the Stargazing Mumbai team; sometimes, up to 15, if we have a large number of participants. All devices and essentials related to constellation-viewing and meteor-watching, including mats, are provided by the team,” Singh signs off.
A view of the recreation of the Leonid Meteor shower at Nehru Planetarium. Pic courtesy/nehru planetarium
On November 15 to 16; 2.30 pm (meeting point arrival), 3 pm to 9 am (event duration)
At Ghatghar Village, Bhandardara.
Log on to stargazingmumbai.in (registration)
Entry Rs 2650 (per person)
Also sign up for
A participant observes solar activity using a telescope and solar filter
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Aman Singh
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A view of the Sun through the filter
Do’s
>> Carry ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving licence)
>> Carry winter wear (jackets, sweaters, shawls) as night temperatures are considerably low
>> Wear appropriate shoes and socks
>> Carry a torch, mosquito repellent and other necessary medication
>> Carry a drinking water bottle and extra snacks for personal consumption (meals and tea will be offered intermittently)
>> Bring a diary and pen for notes
>> For Astrophotography, bring your own DSLR camera, tripod, remote, charger, extra batteries, and an Intervalometer app
Dont’s
>> Drink and smoke
>> Step beyond designated boundaries, as the surrounding forest area is inhabited by reptiles and insects
>> Visit the forest area
>> Litter around you
>> Bring your own tent; only those provided by the organisers are permitted
Expert insights
The Leonid Meteor Showers 2025 are expected to be approximately 15 meteors per hour i.e. one meteor sighted per four minutes. In a dark, silent place, even that can seem very long. Arvind Paranjpye (below), director, Nehru Planetarium, recommends, “For higher viewing chances, go away from the city and light pollution as much as possible.”
He advises against consuming excess coffee or tea in order to stay awake, as it causes discomfort later. “Try sipping on hot cocoa, as it is refreshing, and keeps the mind alert. Importantly, sleep beforehand for a few hours,” he suggests, adding, “If you’re in Mumbai, sighting is barely possible. Hence, we have a programme at Nehru Planetarium that recreates the Leonid Meteor shower, so those who miss it can get an idea of it.”
At Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Science Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.
Log on to www.nehrucentremumbai.in
Information courtesy: Arvind Paranjpye
Tips while viewing:
>> Avoid standing or sitting >> Spread a mat and lie down; or prop up a bag against a tree and lean back
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