Meteors over the desert

A Leonid meteor streaks over the Californian desert

By BBC News Online Science Editor Dr David Whitehouse

For many, the recent Leonid meteor shower did not live up to expectations. Despite great expectations, the predicted meteor storm did not take place.

Next year, the Earth will pass through the swarm of rocky particles that cause the meteor shower. Astronomers think there is a chance that the storm might take place then.

While most were clouded-out or just did not see much, some skywatchers did get good views of what, although not a storm, was a fine meteor shower.

Spectacular images

Astronomers in the Canary Islands saw dozens of bright fireballs and Nasa scientists reported seeing fireballs in their airborne observatory.

Wally Pacholka

And award-winning astrophotographer Wally Pacholka was in the California desert with his camera and telescope.

He took some of the most spectacular images of Leonid meteors.

Using standard equipment, but with years of experience and care, he specialises in taking images of meteors and comets.

The desert not only provides clear air and freedom from light pollution but also interesting formations for the pictures' foreground.