The Leonid meteor shower is an annual celestial event associated with comet Tempel–Tuttle. Its name is derived from the constellation Leo, as the meteors appear to radiate from this point in the sky. The shower is known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that streak across the night sky.
This meteor shower is particularly notable for its historical meteor storms, which occur approximately every 33 years when the Earth passes through dense debris trails left by the comet. During these rare storms, the Leonids can produce thousands of meteors per hour, creating spectacular displays that have been recorded for centuries. Even in non-storm years, the shower remains a reliable and popular astronomical event for skywatchers.
Recently, the Leonid meteor shower has been in the news as it reached its peak visibility in mid-November 2025. Numerous media outlets have reported on the optimal viewing times and conditions for observers across different regions. While the peak viewing period has passed, several news sources note that interested viewers may still have opportunities to see residual meteor activity in the following nights.
For those hoping to observe the Leonids, the best viewing typically occurs away from city lights during the pre-dawn hours. No special equipment is needed—the meteors are visible to the naked eye, making this astronomical phenomenon accessible to casual observers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Latest related news
- Catch a 'Shooting Star' as Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight - Scientific American 2025-11-18 00:17 · Scientific American
- Leonid meteor shower at November 2025 peak. How to see it from Ohio, everything to know - Akron Beacon Journal 2025-11-18 00:03 · Akron Beacon Journal
- Missed Leonid meteor shower’s peak? You still have a chance to see it - The Independent 2025-11-17 23:57 · The Independent
- Miss the Leonid meteor shower over Connecticut Sunday night? You may be still be able to see it. - Trumbull Times 2025-11-17 23:04 · Trumbull Times
- When and how you can see the 2025 Leonid meteor shower in November 2025 - The Times of India 2025-11-17 22:15 · The Times of India
- Don't Miss Your Second Chance: Leonid Meteor Shower Peak Continues With Clearer Skies - Yahoo News UK 2025-11-17 22:10 · Yahoo News UK
- Leonid Meteor Shower 2025: How, When, and Where to Watch the Celestial Spectacle - Azat TV 2025-11-17 21:50 · Azat TV
- New York sky show tonight — Best places to watch the Leonid meteor shower at its peak - ECOticias.com El Periódico Verde 2025-11-17 21:50 · ECOticias.com El Periódico Verde
- How to potentially see the Leonid meteor shower, even after peak - FOX Carolina 2025-11-17 21:06 · FOX Carolina
- This is one of your best chances to see a shooting star all year. How to see tonight's meteor shower peak - BBC Sky at Night Magazine 2025-11-17 21:01 · BBC Sky at Night Magazine