A Spectacular Display: Why the 2025 Leonid Meteor Shower Could Be One of the Best in Years
Good weather in mid-November brightens the Leonid meteor shower. The small moon illuminates meteors at night.
The Leonid shower occurs every November and December when Earth passes through comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s debris. The tiny pieces fly fast and burn brightly. At peak, 10–15 meteors per hour are predicted.
Peaking is likely November 16–17 and into November 17. The American Meteor Society advises clear, dark skies for meteors. With the moon 9% full,
Fireballs or trails from 44-mph Leonids. The “storm” won’t happen this year. Better weather for meteor showers.
Knowledgeable people say the best place to get used to the night sky is somewhere dark and open, away from city lights. Bright as a Leo meteor. You can see it best in the cold sky after midnight. To relax and see stars, bring a soft bed and warm clothes.
A long time ago, Leonid meteor storms sent many meteors per hour. Like no other peak, this one is clear and dark. Prepare. However, big explosions are unlikely this year.
Not many stargazers see Leonids in mid-November. Moonlight and fast, bright meteors may have made this year’s show best.
Sources
The Weather Channel and related space science forecasts
International Meteor Organization predictions for 2025
Photopills meteor shower guide
EarthSky astronomy forecasts
Starlust skywatching overview
