Leonid Meteor Shower 2023

Constellation: Leo

Origin: 55P/Tempel-Tuttle

Velocity: 43.5 miles (69.7 kilometers) per second

Active Dates: Nov. 6, 2026 to Nov. 30, 2026 (Peak night: Nov. 16-17)

Rate: Fewer than 3 meteors per hour

Description: The Leonids, which peak during mid-November each year, are considered to be a major shower though meteor rates are often as low as about 15 meteors per hour.
The Leonids are bright meteors and can also be colorful.
They are also fast: Leonids travel at speeds of 44 miles (71 kilometers) per second, and they are considered to be some of the fastest meteors.
Every 33 years, or so, viewers on Earth may experience a Leonid storm that can peak with hundreds to thousands of meteors seen per hour depending on the location of the observer.
A meteor storm versus a shower is defined as having at least 1,000 meteors per hour.
Viewers in 1966 experienced a spectacular Leonid storm: thousands of meteors per minute fell through Earth's atmosphere during a 15-minute period.
There were so many meteors seen that they appeared to fall like rain.
The last Leonid meteor storm took place in 2002.
Leonids are also known for their fireballs and Earth-grazer meteors. Fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak.
This is due to the fact that fireballs originate from larger particles of cometary material. Fireballs are also brighter, with magnitudes brighter than -3.
Earth-grazers are meteors that streak close to the horizon and are known for their long and colorful tails.

Viewing Tips
The Leonids are best viewed starting at about midnight local time. Find an area well away from the city or street lights. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.
Orient yourself with your feet toward the east, lie flat on your back, and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse..

Click Below Image(s) for Full Size:

Leonid Meteor Shower Radiant

Leonid Meteor Shower

Imaging Details
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