Here's when the Leonids meteor shower will peak and how to view
The Boston Globe • • science
Key Points:
- On November 17, 1966, the United States witnessed one of the most intense Leonid meteor storms, with thousands of meteors per minute visible over a 15-minute period, marking one of the best meteor shower displays on record.
- The Leonid meteor shower, caused by Earth passing through debris from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, peaks overnight Monday into early Tuesday this year, offering an exciting but less intense viewing opportunity compared to the historic 1966 storm.
- This year's Leonids typically produce 10 to 15 meteors per hour, with best viewing conditions after midnight in a dark location, though moonlight and weather conditions may affect visibility.
- Known for their speed (44 miles per second), brightness, and occasional fireballs and Earth-grazing meteors, the Leonids radiate from the constellation Leo but can be seen across the night sky.
- The Leonids serve as a precursor to the major Geminids meteor shower, which peaks December 13–14 and is one of the most anticipated annual meteor events, following the Perseids in August.
