A Famous November Display

The Leonids are one of the most famous meteor showers in history, known for producing incredible storms in the past. While 2025 won’t bring one of those once-in-a-lifetime storms, the shower still promises a fine show for skywatchers, especially with little interference from moonlight this year.

What is a Meteor Shower?

Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left behind by a comet or asteroid. As those tiny particles hit our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up and streak across the sky as meteors — or “shooting stars.” Each annual shower comes from a specific parent body, and the meteors appear to radiate from a particular constellation in the sky.

When to Watch

The Leonids peak on the night of November 17 into the early morning of November 18. At peak, observers can expect to see about 15 meteors per hour under dark skies. With the Moon setting early in the evening, conditions will be favorable for late-night and early-morning viewing.

What to Expect

Leonid meteors are famous for their fast, bright streaks — some leaving glowing trains that linger for seconds. The shower is caused by debris left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle, a periodic comet that swings through the inner solar system every 33 years. The radiant point lies in the constellation Leo the Lion, but meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.

How to Observe

• Find a dark location away from city lights.

• Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

• Look up and take in as much sky as possible — a reclining chair or blanket makes it easier.

• No telescope or binoculars are needed; the naked eye is best.

Keep Looking Up

The Leonids remind us of the sky’s power to surprise, with their historic storms and their annual display of swift meteors. This year’s conditions are especially good, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy them.

Clear skies and happy falling star-gazing.