November 6 – November 30 · Leo
Leonids
The fastest meteors of all
See the Leonids from your location
See the exact local peak time and how high the radiant climbs from where you are.
What is the Leonids meteor shower?
The fastest meteors of any shower, and the source of history's greatest meteor storms — in 1833 and 1966 the Leonids fell like rain. Most years are modest, but the shower is always worth a look.
When do the Leonids peak in 2026?
The Leonids peak on the night of November 17, 2026. Under ideal dark skies with the radiant high overhead they can produce up to 15 meteors an hour — the number you'll actually see depends on your latitude, the moon, and how dark your sky is.
Leonids at a glance
Where the Leonids come from
The Leonids are debris shed by 55P/Tempel–Tuttle, a comet. Each year the Earth ploughs through this ancient trail of dust and the specks burn up in our atmosphere as meteors.
How to watch the Leonids
Get away from city lights
Light pollution is the enemy. A dark rural sky can turn a handful of meteors into dozens.
Look up after midnight
Most showers are best between midnight and dawn, when your side of Earth turns to face the debris stream head-on.
Let your eyes adapt
Give your eyes 20 minutes in the dark and put the phone away. Then just watch — meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
Common questions about the Leonids
When do the Leonids peak in 2026?+
The Leonids reach their maximum on the night of November 17, 2026, though a few meteors are visible from November 6 – November 30.
Where should I look to see the Leonids?+
The meteors radiate from the constellation Leo, but they streak across the whole sky — you don't need to find the radiant. Just face the darkest part of your sky and take in as much of it as you can.
Do I need a telescope to watch the Leonids?+
No. Meteor showers are a naked-eye event — a telescope's narrow view would only work against you. All you need is a dark sky, a reclining chair, and some patience.
What causes the Leonids?+
The Leonids happen when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by 55P/Tempel–Tuttle. The dust grains hit our atmosphere at 71 km/s and burn up as bright streaks of light.
Other meteor showers
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