The Leonids are known for their spectacular meteor storms that happen every 33 years, but they are a great show every year. These fast and bright meteors radiate from the constellation Leo. The best viewing time is in the pre-dawn hours, when the radiant is at its highest point in the sky.
- Duration: November 3–December 2, 2025.
- Predicted Peak: ~18:00 UTC on November 17, 2025.
- Hourly Rate: Around 15 meteors per hour, but they are known for spectacular “meteor storms” every 33 years or so.
- Radiant: In the constellation Leo, near the star Regulus. The radiant rises around midnight and is highest before dawn.
- Parent Body: Comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle.
- Moon Phase: New Moon on November 20, 2025. The sky will be dark for the peak viewing hours, as a thin crescent moon will set early.
Radiant Point of the Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonids appear to radiate from the constellation Leo, the Lion, which gives the shower its name. The radiant point rises after midnight and climbs higher into the sky as dawn approaches, making the early morning hours the best time to watch.
Even though meteors seem to originate from Leo, they can be seen anywhere in the night sky. Having a wide view overhead increases the chances of spotting the swift streaks of light.
Parent Body of the Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonids come from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, a periodic comet that completes one orbit around the Sun every 33 years. Each time the comet passes through the inner solar system, it sheds fresh material that adds to its debris stream.
When Earth crosses this stream each November, the tiny particles burn up in our atmosphere at high speeds, creating the fast meteors that the Leonids are known for. Because Tempel-Tuttle has such a long orbital period, major Leonid storms occur only when Earth passes through dense fresh trails, usually around the time of the comet’s return.
History of the Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonids have one of the most dramatic histories among meteor showers. In 1833, an incredible storm lit up skies over North America with estimates of more than 100,000 meteors per hour. This event inspired much of the early scientific interest in meteor showers.
Other strong storms followed, including displays in 1866, 1966, and 1999, with thousands of meteors visible per hour. These storms occur roughly every 33 years, linked to the return of comet Tempel-Tuttle. In non-storm years, like 2024, the shower is modest but still reliable, producing steady rates and the occasional bright fireball.
How to Observe a Meteor Shower?
The Leonid, like most meteor showers, does not require any telescope or binoculars. In fact, wide, unobstructed views of the sky are best. Here are some practical tips to maximize your experience:
- Pick a countryside or rural spot for watching. Urban lights will block most faint meteors.
- Give your eyes time to adapt. The longer you stay in the dark, the more meteors you’ll catch.
- Don’t focus only on the radiant; meteors appear across the sky. Lying down gives you the widest view.
- Stay warm with winter clothing and maybe a sleeping bag or camp chair.
- Take some water and food to keep yourself relaxed for the night.
Refer to our Meteor Shower Calendar!
