Starwatch: Witness the Leonids Meteor Shower's Peak
It's that time of year again for one of the more predictable and reliable meteor showers: the Leonids. Active from early November to early December, this shower reaches its annual peak this week, specifically on the night of November 16th to 17th.
The meteors are named after the constellation Leo, the lion, and appear to originate from the region of the 'lion's head', an asterism known as the sickle due to its distinctive shape. Once part of the tail of comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, this cloud of dust particles now produces approximately 10 to 15 bright meteors per hour.
These meteors are fast-moving, entering Earth's atmosphere at a velocity of around 70 km/s, and they leave straight, bright trails that linger in the air. While the Leonids are capable of producing spectacular meteor storms with rates in the hundreds or thousands per hour, there are no predictions of such an outburst in 2025.
For viewers in the UK and other northern-hemisphere locations, the best time to observe this shower is during the early hours of the night when Leo is higher in the sky and the night is at its darkest. The chart illustrates the view looking east from London at 00:00 on November 17th. To fully enjoy the experience, ensure you have warm clothing, a comfortable deck chair, and plenty of patience.
Don't miss out on this celestial spectacle! Mark your calendars and prepare for a memorable night under the stars.
