The night sky is gearing up for one of its most anticipated annual displays—the Leonids meteor shower, peaking on November 16–17. Known for producing some of the fastest and brightest meteors of the year, the Leonids are a favorite among skywatchers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a peaceful night under the stars. With the Moon at only 7% illumination, this year’s conditions are especially promising, giving viewers an excellent chance to catch the shower without moonlight washing out the streaks of light.
If you’re planning to watch the event, here’s everything you need to know—when it happens, why it occurs, and how to enjoy the show to the fullest.
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What Are the Leonids?
The Leonids meteor shower happens every November when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle. These tiny fragments—mostly the size of sand grains—hit our atmosphere at incredible speeds, burning up instantly and creating bright streaks of light across the sky.
The shower gets its name from the constellation Leo, where the meteors appear to originate. This point is known as the radiant, and while the meteors can streak across any part of the sky, their paths trace back to Leo.
The Leonids are famous because they occasionally produce meteor storms, with thousands of meteors per hour. Although this year isn’t expected to reach storm levels, the forecast of around 15 meteors per hour with a dark sky still makes it a worthwhile event.
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When Is the Best Time to Watch?
The peak nights for the Leonids are November 16 and 17, but you may see activity a day or two before and after.
For the best view:
Head outside after midnight and especially between 2 AM and dawn, when Leo is high in the sky.
Find a location far from city lights, ideally somewhere with an open horizon.
Allow at least 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
This year’s extremely low 7% Moon illumination is a gift for skywatchers, offering near-perfect dark-sky conditions. Even faint meteors will be easy to spot.
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Where to Look in the Sky
Although the meteors can appear anywhere overhead, looking toward the eastern sky is a good starting point, since that’s where the constellation Leo rises. You don’t need a telescope or binoculars—your eyes are the best tool for spotting meteors because they cover a wide field of view.
If you know how to spot Leo, look for the “sickle” shape of stars forming its head. But even if you don’t, simply lying back and looking up at the sky is enough. The more sky you can see at once, the better your chances of spotting a meteor.
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Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
If you want to make the most of the Leonids this year, keep these simple tips in mind:
Find a dark location: City lights reduce visibility dramatically. Rural areas, mountainsides, lakesides, or open fields are perfect.
Bring warm clothes: November nights can be chilly, and meteor-watching means staying still for long periods.
Use a blanket or reclining chair: Comfort makes a huge difference.
Avoid looking at your phone: Even quick glances reset your night vision.
Be patient: Meteor showers come in bursts. You may see several meteors at once, followed by a quiet minute or two.
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Why the Leonids Are Worth Watching
The Leonids are special not only because of their speed—up to 70 kilometers per second—but also because their meteors are often bright and leave long-lasting trails called persistent trains. These glowing trails can hang in the sky for seconds, making them particularly beautiful to watch.
The Leonids also have a dramatic history. In 1833 and 1966, observers witnessed meteor storms where thousands of meteors fell each minute, turning the sky into what many described as “a shower of stars.” While storms are rare, the possibility adds extra excitement to every Leonid season.
With clear skies, low moonlight, and an ideal viewing window, the 2025 Leonids meteor shower is shaping up to be one of the best sky events of the month. Whether you’re an astronomy lover, a photographer, or someone who simply enjoys quiet moments under the night sky, this is the perfect chance to step outside and watch nature’s nighttime fireworks.
Mark your calendar for November 16–17, find a dark spot, and look up. The universe has a show waiting for you.