Peak: The Leonid meteor shower is expected to peak the night of Nov. 16 into the morning of Nov. 17, with the moon only about 9% illuminated — favorable viewing conditions. Origin: Leonids come from debris of comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle and typically produce ~10–15 meteors per hour under dark skies. How to watch: No telescope needed — find a dark site, let your eyes adjust 20–30 minutes, avoid bright screens, and lie back to scan the whole sky.
Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Night of Nov. 16–17 — What to Expect and How to Watch
Peak: The Leonid meteor shower is expected to peak the night of Nov. 16 into the morning of Nov. 17, with the moon only about 9% illuminated — favorable viewing conditions. Origin: Leonids come from debris of comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle and typically produce ~10–15 meteors per hour under dark skies. How to watch: No telescope needed — find a dark site, let your eyes adjust 20–30 minutes, avoid bright screens, and lie back to scan the whole sky.
06:15 PM, 11/16/2025Science
Watch the Leonids: Peak Night Nov. 16–17
The Leonid meteor shower offers skywatchers another good viewing opportunity in mid-November. According to the American Meteor Society, the shower's peak is expected overnight on Nov. 16 into the morning of Nov. 17. On the peak night the moon will be a thin waning crescent — roughly 9% illuminated — so lunar glare should be minimal for most observers.
Where the Leonids Come From
Leonids originate from debris left by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. While the stream occasionally produces dramatic meteor storms — notably in 1833, 1866, 1966, 1999, 2001 and 2002 — those intense displays are rare. In a typical year, observers under dark skies can expect about 10–15 meteors per hour around the peak.
How to Spot Them
- Radiant: The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Leo in the eastern sky, but individual meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
- No optics needed: Telescopes and binoculars narrow your view. For meteor watching, a wide, unobstructed sky is best.
- Apps: Smartphone apps like SkyView or SkySafari Pro can help you locate Leo if you're unfamiliar with the constellations.
Viewing Tips
- Find a dark site away from city lights.
- Allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adapt to the dark.
- Avoid looking at phones or other bright screens while observing.
- Dress for the weather, use insect repellent if needed, and bring a blanket or reclining chair so you can lie back and scan the whole sky comfortably.
- Check local weather and cloud cover before you go.
Context — Other Shows This Season
Earlier and later meteor displays this season include the Orionids and the Northern and Southern Taurids. Looking ahead, the prominent year-end showers are the Geminids (peak roughly Dec. 13–14) and the Ursids (peak around Dec. 21–22). The Quadrantids return in late December and peak in early January 2026. Moonlight and local weather will affect how well each shower is seen; showers near the new moon are generally easier to observe.
Contributing: Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY
Originally published on USA TODAY: "The Leonid meteor shower 2025 peaks soon. Here's what to know."