The Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak overnight on Sunday, Nov. 16, into early Monday, Nov. 17, morning, offering a good chance to spot quick, bright shooting stars before dawn.
The Leonids are active each year in November. The shower peaks the night of November 16 through the 17, and the moon will be a thin waning crescent, only about 9% illuminated, meaning it won’t interfere with darker skies.
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For the best view, head outside after midnight and look toward the eastern sky as the constellation Leo rises. That’s the general direction the streaks will appear to originate from, though meteors can flash across any part of the sky.
For the best view, head outside after midnight and look toward the eastern sky as the constellation Leo rises. That’s the general direction the streaks will appear to originate from, though meteors can flash across any part of the sky. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
The American Meteor Society (AMS) says Leonid meteors enter Earth’s atmosphere at about 69 kilometers per second, which is 44 miles per second. Under ideal dark skies, observers could see 10 to 15 meteors per hour during the peak.
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The Leonids are also known for producing several rare “meteor storms,” including major outbursts in 1999, 2001, and 2002. A storm is not expected this year; however, the Leonids still offer a reliable November display.
If up late Sunday, Nov. 16 night or awake early Monday, Nov. 17 morning, step outside, look east, and you may catch a few of the fastest shooting stars of the season.