Leonid Meteor Shower 2025 Peaks Under Dark Skies: When and How to Watch

The annual Leonid meteor shower is set to peak on November 17, 2025. Skywatchers around the globe are preparing for this celestial event. The display will be most visible during the predawn hours of November 18.

This year’s viewing conditions are exceptionally favorable. A dark, crescent moon will not interfere with the show. Observers can expect a reliable display of swift and bright meteors.

Optimal Viewing Conditions for the 2025 Leonids

The peak of the Leonid meteor shower occurs at 1 p.m. EST on November 17. The best time for viewing, however, is after midnight and before dawn on November 18. This is when the constellation Leo, the shower’s radiant point, is highest in the sky.

According to NASA, under ideal dark-sky conditions, observers might see 10 to 15 meteors per hour. The meteors are known for their high speed, entering Earth’s atmosphere at about 44 miles per second. This often creates long, persistent trains or glowing trails.

The Science and History Behind the Leonids

The Leonid meteor shower originates from debris left by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This comet orbits the sun approximately every 33 years. When Earth passes through this stream of comet dust, the particles vaporize in our atmosphere, creating meteors.

The Leonids are famous for producing historic meteor storms. The 1966 storm saw thousands of meteors streak across the sky each hour. The last major storm occurred in 2002, and while 2025 is not forecasted to be a storm year, the potential for bright fireballs always exists.

How to Maximize Your Meteor Watching Experience

You do not need any special equipment to enjoy the shower. Your eyes are the best tool. Find a location far from city lights with a wide, unobstructed view of the sky.

Allow at least 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. Dress warmly and use a reclining chair or blanket for comfort. Be patient and look generally toward the east, but meteors can appear anywhere.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the best time to see the Leonid meteor shower in 2025?

The peak is on November 17, but the best viewing is in the predawn hours of November 18. The sky will be darkest after the moon sets, providing optimal conditions for spotting faint meteors.

Where in the sky should I look for the Leonids?

Meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Leo, which rises in the east after midnight. However, you do not need to stare directly at Leo, as meteors will be visible across the entire night sky.

How many meteors per hour will the 2025 Leonids produce?

Under a dark sky, you can expect to see 10 to 15 meteors per hour. The rate may be lower in urban or suburban areas due to light pollution obscuring the fainter streaks.

Do I need a telescope to see the meteor shower?

No, telescopes and binoculars are not recommended. They restrict your field of view. The naked eye is perfect for taking in the wide expanse of the sky where the meteors will travel.

What causes the Leonid meteor shower?

The shower is caused by Earth passing through the dusty debris trail of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. These tiny particles, often no larger than a pebble, burn up high in the atmosphere, creating the visible streaks of light.