A meteor during the peak of the Leonid Meteor Shower. 

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

The Leonid meteor shower, known for its fast and bright meteors, is set to light up the night skies this weekend, offering stargazers a chance to witness one of nature’s most dazzling displays.

This year, the Leonids will peak overnight from Sunday, Nov. 16, into Monday, Nov. 17, with around 10 to 15 meteors visible per hour under dark skies. 

The best viewing time will be after midnight, especially after 3 a.m. local time, when the radiant point in the constellation Leo is highest in the sky.

What To Expect

The Leonids originate from debris left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 33 years. 

These meteors are some of the fastest, traveling at 44 to 45 miles per second as they streak through Earth’s atmosphere. Their speed often produces bright fireballs and long-lasting vapor trails, making them a favorite among skywatchers.

While the Leonids are famous for occasional meteor storms, such as the 1833 event that produced thousands of meteors per hour, no extraordinary outbursts are expected this year. 

Instead, astronomers predict a typical annual display, with reduced moonlight interference making this year’s shower slightly better than 2024.

Viewing Tips

The Leonid meteor shower is active throughout November, but the peak night offers the best chance to see meteors. 

To maximize your viewing experience, head to a dark location away from city lights. Allow your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and look toward the constellation Leo, where the meteors appear to originate.

For the best results, plan to stay out late, as meteors will be most visible in the hours before dawn. 

Observers in the Northern Hemisphere, including the Northeast region of the US, should have good visibility during the peak night if weather conditions cooperate.

The Leonids are a reminder of the beauty of the night sky, offering a chance to witness pieces of a comet’s journey streaking across Earth’s atmosphere as fiery shooting stars.