Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week — How to Catch the Fireball Display

Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week — How to Catch the Fireball Display

The annual Leonid meteor shower is reaching its peak this week and could produce hundreds of long‑tailed meteors and occasional bright fireballs as Earth crosses the debris stream from Comet 55P/Tempel‑Tuttle.

Meteor showers occur when our planet moves through trails of dust and rock left behind by comets and asteroids. These fragments heat and burn as they enter the atmosphere, creating the streaks of light we call meteors; any fragments that survive to reach the ground are meteorites. The Leonids return every year in early November through early December, and particularly intense displays historically follow a roughly 33–34 year cycle tied to the comet’s orbit.

Historic flashpoint: On November 17, 1966, observers described meteors “falling like rain” in a rare storm-like display — one of the most dramatic Leonid events in modern memory.

The shower’s official peak is listed at 1:00 p.m. EST on Nov. 17, but because that occurs during daylight for many observers, the best viewing opportunity is the predawn hours of Nov. 18. The Leonids hit the atmosphere at about 44 miles per second (≈71 km/s), producing very fast, often long‑tailed meteors.

Best viewing tips

• When: Aim for the predawn hours after midnight and especially just before local sunrise on Nov. 18, when the radiant in the constellation Leo is highest.
• Moon: A new moon on Nov. 20 means only a thin waning crescent will interfere, so skies should be relatively dark for the peak.
• Where to look: Meteors appear to radiate from Leo, but they can show up anywhere in the sky — a wide, unobstructed view is best.
• Equipment: Naked-eye observing is ideal because meteors cross large portions of the sky quickly. Binoculars or wide‑field optics can help if you want to scan a particular area, but telescopes are usually too narrow to catch meteors reliably.
• Comfort & preparation: Lie flat on your back with your feet pointed east, wear warm layers, and allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark.

Under dark skies, observers might see roughly 10–15 Leonids per hour; many nights will be quieter, but individual bright fireballs remain possible even in less active years. Whether you catch a handful of meteors or dozens, the Leonids offer a striking, fast-moving show for skywatchers.