In this episode of Old Florida Now, we take you back to 1799, when a routine night in the Florida Keys turned into a jaw-dropping celestial spectacle. Discover how a forgotten figure in American history witnessed the very first recorded meteor shower in U.S. history, right off the Florida coast.

Show Notes:

• History.com – Read about Andrew Ellicott’s observation of the Leonid meteor shower and how it became the first recorded meteor shower in U.S. history. Dive into the significance of this event and its impact on early American astronomy.
• The History Blog – Explore Ellicott’s broader contributions to American history, including his important role in surveying the U.S.-Spanish boundary. Learn about his work and some fascinating genealogical details about his family.
• EarthSky – For those curious about the science behind meteor showers like the Leonids, EarthSky offers excellent resources on how and why these events occur, along with updates on when to watch them.
• StarDate – Another great resource for astronomy enthusiasts, StarDate provides information about upcoming meteor showers and other celestial events. Stay updated on when you can catch the next meteor shower.