Leonids to Peak Nov. 16–17, 2025: How and Where to Watch in Mississippi

Leonid meteor shower set to peak Nov. 16–17, 2025

Skywatchers in Mississippi should prepare for two nights of Leonid activity: the shower, which became active around Nov. 6, is expected to peak between Sunday, Nov. 16, and Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, according to the Planetary Society. The American Meteor Society lists the Leonids as active from about Nov. 6 through at least Nov. 30.

Why the Leonids are special

The Leonids arrive each year as Earth passes through dusty debris left by comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle. While the shower usually produces a modest rate—roughly 3 to 15 meteors per hour under dark skies—the Leonids are prized for their speed, vivid color and occasional bright fireballs. These meteors strike the atmosphere at about 44 miles per second (roughly 71 kilometers per second). On rare occasions, when Tempel–Tuttle is near perihelion, the Leonids have produced intense meteor storms; the last major storm occurred in 2002, and unusually active years are not expected before at least 2031, per the American Meteor Society.

What to expect during the peak

Under clear, dark skies you can expect roughly 3–15 visible meteors per hour, with the chance of bright fireballs and so‑called "Earth‑grazers" that skim the horizon and leave long, colorful trails. The best viewing window is typically between midnight and the pre‑dawn hours, when the part of Earth you’re on is facing into the meteor stream.

Moon, weather and viewing conditions in Mississippi

The moon should not be a major problem for the 2025 peak: a waning crescent will be only about 9% illuminated, so moonlight will be minimal. The main limiting factor will be clouds; the National Weather Service forecasts relatively clear skies across much of Mississippi for the peak nights, improving the odds for good viewing. Still, check local forecasts the evening of the event.

How to watch

• Find a dark location away from street and city lights.
• Bring warm layers, a blanket or a reclining chair and something to lie on.
• Lie on your back with your feet pointed east and take in as wide a swath of sky as possible.
• Don't stare only at the constellation Leo; Leonids can appear anywhere in the sky and often look longer when seen away from the radiant.
• Give your eyes about 20–30 minutes to adapt to the dark and be patient—the shower continues until dawn.

Dark-sky spots in Mississippi

Good dark-sky locations around the state include many national forests and state parks. Several sites listed by Go Astronomy show low light pollution (a Bortle scale score near 3 indicates a rural, relatively dark sky):

• Bienville National Forest — Bortle 3
• Clark Creek Natural Area — Bortle 3
• De Soto National Forest
• Delta National Forest
• French Camp
• Holly Springs National Forest
• Holmes County State Park — Bortle 3
• Homochitto National Forest — Bortle 3
• Leroy Percy State Park — Bortle 3
• Tishomingo State Park — Bortle 3
• Tombigbee National Forest

The Natchez Trace Parkway also designates stargazing spots (open until 10 p.m.) such as Big Tree Overlook (milepost 439.4), Little Mountain Exhibit Shelter (milepost 193.1) and Reservoir Overlook (milepost 105.6).

How meteors form and the Leonids' origin

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through streams of debris left by comets and asteroids. These small particles—meteoroids—enter Earth's atmosphere at high speed and burn up, producing streaks of light called meteors. Very bright meteors are known as fireballs; fragments that survive to reach the ground are meteorites. The Leonids' debris comes from comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle, discovered independently in the mid‑1800s.

Other upcoming showers and seasonal notes

Following the Leonids, fall and early winter offer the Geminids (about Dec. 4–17), the Ursids (Dec. 17–26) and the Quadrantids (starting Dec. 28 into early January), per the American Meteor Society. The December full Moon (the "Cold Moon") falls on Dec. 4, 2025, and the Winter Solstice arrives Dec. 21, 2025.

With clear skies and a faint moon, Mississippi observers should have a good chance to see Leonid meteors on the nights of Nov. 16–17. Bring warm layers, choose a dark site, allow time for your eyes to adapt, and enjoy the show.

Originally published in the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. Reporters: Eric Lagatta and Bonnie Bolden.