Peak Viewing Dates: The Leonid meteor shower will be active from November 3 to December 2, with its peak occurring on November 18 around 1 a.m. ET.
Visibility: Meteors from the Leonid shower will be visible in all parts of the sky. For the best experience, viewers should start watching after midnight, with peak visibility before sunrise.
Radiant Point: While the meteors radiate from the constellation Leo, it’s recommended to look away from this point to see longer, more vibrant streaks in the sky.
No Equipment Needed: You don't need a telescope or binoculars to view the Leonids; however, finding a dark location away from city lights will enhance the experience.
Moonlight Interference: This year, the Leonids will compete with bright moonlight, as the full Moon peaks on November 15, which may hinder visibility of the meteors.
Characteristics of Leonids: The Leonid meteors are known for their brightness and speed, racing across the sky at about 44 miles (71 kilometers) per second, producing colorful fireballs and Earth-grazing meteors.
Origin of the Meteors: The Leonids originate from Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which has a 33-year orbital period. This comet sheds debris that Earth passes through annually, leading to the meteor shower.
Potential for Meteor Storms: While this year may not produce a meteor storm, the Leonids can deliver impressive displays, with historical storms reaching hundreds to thousands of meteors per hour, the last notable storm occurring in 2002.