Leonids Peak Nov. 16–17 — Where and When to Watch the Fireball Show (Taurids Will Add Extra Sparks)

Leonid meteor shower peaks this weekend

The bright Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak overnight between Sunday, Nov. 16 and the early morning of Monday, Nov. 17. Conditions should be favorable: a thin waning crescent moon (about 9% illuminated) will rise in the predawn hours, leaving the best viewing window mostly moonless.

What to expect

Expect roughly 10–15 meteors per hour under dark skies, with occasional bright fireballs. The Leonids are known for their speed — meteoroids from Comet Tempel–Tuttle strike Earth's atmosphere at about 44 miles per second (≈71 km/s), producing fast, brilliant streaks and sometimes persistent trails.

Why this year is interesting

The Leonid peak overlaps with activity from two Taurid showers: the Southern Taurids (peaked Nov. 4–5 but still active through Nov. 20, 2025) and the Northern Taurids (peaked Nov. 11–12 and active through Dec. 10). The Taurids are noted for producing slow, often golden fireballs that can add dramatic flashes to the sky alongside the faster Leonids.

When and where to look

• Best time: After midnight into the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 17, local time — the hours after midnight generally offer the highest rates.
• Where to look: You don't need a telescope or binoculars. Lie back or recline and scan the whole sky; Leonids appear to radiate from the direction of the constellation Leo, but meteors can appear anywhere overhead.
• Location: Choose a dark, rural spot away from city lights for the best view.

Practical viewing tips

• Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adapt to the dark; avoid looking at phones or bright lights.
• Dress warmly and bring a blanket or reclining chair to comfortably scan the sky.
• Check local weather and the moonrise/sunrise times for your area; local rates and visibility can vary.

Quick science

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through streams of debris left by comets or asteroids. The Leonids come from debris shed by Comet Tempel–Tuttle. From our viewpoint the meteors appear to radiate from Leo, hence the name.

Moon phases & seasonal notes

• Full Moon: Nov. 5
• Last Quarter: Nov. 12
• New Moon: Nov. 20
• First Quarter: Nov. 28
• Next Full Moon (Dec.): Dec. 4 — known as a "cold supermoon" in 2025

Note: Local sunrise, sunset and daylight-length details vary by location. Check local resources for exact times and weather so you can plan the best viewing session.

Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com.