The meteor showers, which are going to light up the sky after the midnight of November 17, however, do not pose any danger to the Earth, according to IUCAA scientists here today.

The scientists, who have compiled data on the celestial phenomena, said most of the leonids weigh about one millionth of a gram -- not much more than a particle of a cigarette smoke and added that normally, objects of this size would pose no threat to spacecrafts.

However, when such particles travel several times faster than a bullet from a high velocity rifle, the threat increases significantly, the scientists pointed out.

Since the velocity of the meteor impact is affected by a spacecraft's motion as it orbits the Earth, hits could occur at any speed between 65 and 80 kms per second which could result insome physical damage in sensitive areas and electrical short circuits, plasma discharges and computer malfunctions which may be sufficiently serious to disable a satellite.

A form of sand-blasting can erode outer surfaces such as thermal blankets, mirrors and solar cells. Large impacting particles may even knock a satellite out of its normal position as happened to the European space agency's Giotto spacecraft during its 1986 fly by of Halley's comet.

Information in this regard was compiled by a scientist from IUCCA Arvind Paranjpye working under the supervision of reknowned astronomer Dr Jayant Narlikar.

When asked whether the celestial phenomenon could have any biological significance as some astronomers believe that the comets bear the chemical compound that created life, Narlikar said such a theory could not be applied here as the Earth was only passing through the fine debris of the comet Tempel-Tuttle.

The IUCAA has prepared a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the information ofgeneral public. It has also advised those interested in photographing the event to keep the aperture of their cameras fully open in the direction of the shower for about 10 minutes for every snap and use the fastest film available.

The shower will appear to come from the direction of Leo constellation and rise by about midnight, hence people are advised to look east to observe the shower.

Those interested in capturing the event in video are advised to ensure that there are no bright light sources in the direction of the shower.