Space

Don't Miss Your Second Chance: Leonid Meteor Shower Peak Continues With Clearer Skies

Fresh off last week's stunning northern lights display that reached as far south as Texas and Florida, skywatchers have another treat in store as the annual Leonid meteor shower approaches its peak.

Bright meteor streaking across the night sky above Payson, Arizona during the Leonids meteor shower. — A bright meteor streaks across the night sky above Payson, Arizona, during the Leonid meteor shower.
(mdesigner125/Getty Images )

Cloudy skies on Sunday night may have obscured the sharpest peak of the Leonid meteor shower, but the peak isn't over yet. You have another chance Monday night to take in the spectacle, and clearer skies may give you the best viewing of the meteors.

What Are The Leonids?

The Leonid meteor shower occurs annually in mid- to late November when Earth passes through the debris trail left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Named after the constellation Leo, from which the meteors appear to radiate, the Leonids are known for producing fast-moving meteors that streak across the sky at speeds of up to 44 miles per second.

The show from this year's Leonid shower should be one of the best in years. The reason why? The phase of the moon.

A waning crescent moon, which will be just 9% illuminated, will rise in the predawn hours of the days when the Leonids are peaking. This means that the prime overnight viewing hours will be free of moonlight, allowing for better comet visibility.

A burst of 1999 Leonid meteors as seen at 38,000 feet from Leonid Multi Instrument Aircraft Campaign (Leonid MAC) with 50 mm camera.
(NASA)

When Is The Peak?

The shower peaks from Nov. 16-18, according to NASA Jet Propulsion Lab. With luck, you can hope to see about 15 meteors per hour.

For optimal viewing, find a dark location away from city lights, lie back on a blanket, and give your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness while looking northeast toward the constellation Leo. And remember: It can be cold at night this time of year, so make sure to dress warmly!

What's your favorite memory of a meteor shower? Let us know in the comments!

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.