November 17, 2025
2 minimal learn
The Leonid meteor bathe is reaching its peak — here is tips on how to watch this fireball-filled occasion
A skinny crescent moon and darkish sky might make this astronomical phenomenon clearly seen to observers
1966 Leonid meteor bathe over Wrightwood, California.
The Leonid meteor bathe is at its peak this week, doubtlessly producing tons of of long-tailed meteors. Held each fall, this exhibit is a superb alternative to identify fireballs within the night time sky.
Meteor showers are the attractive results of Earth shifting via the path of particles thrown by comets and asteroids as they orbit the solar. When these chunks of area rocks enter the ambiance, they flare up as capturing stars. And when it lands, it turns into a meteorite.
The Leonid meteor bathe is an annual bathe that happens in early November and lasts till early December, when Earth passes via a stream of particles from Comet Tempel-Tuttle 55P.
About supporting science journalism
Should you loved this text, please think about supporting our award-winning journalism. At present subscribing. By subscribing, you assist guarantee future generations of influential tales in regards to the discoveries and concepts that form the world right this moment.
Maybe essentially the most well-known Leonid meteor bathe look in trendy reminiscence occurred on November 17, 1966. At the moment, meteors rained down, and a few witnesses stated it felt as if the Earth was passing via area.
These storms are inclined to comply with a 33- to 34-year rhythm associated to the comet’s orbit. However whereas most years are typically uneventful, this week has essentially the most likelihood of such an end result. The final large one occurred in 2002.
Methods to observe the Leonids meteor bathe
The Leonid meteor bathe will attain its peak on November seventeenth at 1pm ET. Sky watchers may have a great likelihood to catch the show close to daybreak on Nov. 18, as tons of of long-tailed meteors will streak throughout the sky at 44 miles per second.
When many meteors streak from the identical level within the night time sky, that time is called a radiant. This 12 months, one of the best time to observe is earlier than daybreak, because the bathe’s radiant mild rises round midnight and reaches its peak simply earlier than daybreak.
Advantageously for sky watchers, the following new moon will arrive on November twentieth. In different phrases, on the peak of this week’s Leonid meteor bathe, there’ll solely be a skinny crescent moon within the sky. In darkish sky circumstances, observers can see as many as 10 to fifteen Leonid meteors per hour. Recommended by experts Use binoculars or a telescope and lie in your again together with your ft going through east. After about half-hour at the hours of darkness, your eyes will regulate and it’s best to be capable to see the meteors.
It is time to get up for science
Should you appreciated this text, please help us. scientific american has served as a champion of science and business for 180 years, and now could also be a very powerful second in its two-century historical past.
I scientific american I have been a subscriber since I used to be 12 years outdated, and it is helped form the best way I see the world. siam It all the time educates me, entertains me, and leaves me in awe of our huge and exquisite universe. I hope that is the case for you too.
Should you Subscribe scientific americanassist us preserve our protection centered on significant analysis and discovery. Having the sources to report on selections that threaten laboratories throughout america. And at a time when the worth of science itself is commonly not acknowledged, we help each budding and dealing scientists.
In return, you get necessary information. Participating podcasts, nice infographics, Newsletters you may’t miss, movies you may’t miss, Difficult video games, and one of the best writing and reporting in science. you may too Reward a subscription to somebody.
There has by no means been a extra necessary time for us to face up and present why science issues. We hope you’ll help us in that mission.
