Leonid Meteor Shower – November 2025

Quick Facts

Zenithal Hourly Rate: 15
Peak Date: November 17
Source: Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle
Speed: 44 miles (70km) per second
2025 Rating: ★★★★★

*Bright Leonid fireball over Wyoming in 2023*

The Leonids are one of the most fascinating meteor showers because of their history. Some of the most prolific meteor storms on record have been Leonids. The astronomically high meteor rates, particularly in 1833 and 1966, are difficult to even imagine. Upwards of 100,000 shooting stars per hour (28 per second) have been observed. Those lucky enough to see such a sight never forget it the rest of their life. But it is not every year that the Leonids produce such numbers. Meteor outbursts, if not storms, occur approximately every 33 years. Higher activity may occur for 3-4 years after the return of the parent comet. But even an ordinary Leonid meteor shower at a lower number is worth watching. These meteors are extremely fast, often bright, and most likely to leave behind a smoke trail. The long nights of mid-November provide plenty of time for stargazing.

Source

*Few images exist of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, but it might look something like this*

Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle is the source of Leonid meteors. It is a very small comet with the nucleus measuring 2.24 miles (3.6km) across. Tempel-Tuttle orbits the Sun once every 33 years. The last return was in 1998 and it will return next in 2031. This comet was discovered independently by both Wilhelm Tempel and Horace Parnell Tuttle in 1865 and 1866, which is why it has 2 names. It was also observed way back in 1366 when it passed very close to Earth. The retrograde orbit of Comet Tempel/Tuttle intersects with that of Earth almost exactly. When Earth encounters the stream of debris left behind by the comet, it results in the annual Leonid meteor shower. Every 33 years following perihelion the debris stream is extra dense and compact resulting in meteor outbursts or storms.

Numbers and Speed

The Leonids are highly variable with zenithal hourly rates ranging between 10 and 100,000. Most years 15 is typical and it’s best to keep your expectations low. But with the next perihelion of the parent comet 6 years away, numbers should start to pick up again soon. During the last return meteor storms were seen in the years 1998, 2001, and 2002. Numbers ranged from 1,300 to 5,400 per hour. Not as high as previous returns, but spectacular nonetheless. Meteor expert Mikhail Maslov has predicted the Leonids all the way until the year 2100. He is expecting outbursts in 2034 and 2035, but with a ZHR of up to 500, which is not quite a meteor storm. Keep in mind that meteor shower predictions are not always accurate and surprises do happen. Some outbursts may last as little as 15 minutes. During the 1900 and 1933 returns meteor storms failed to materialize. Leonid meteors may be visible at lesser rates anywhere from November 3rd to December 2nd.

*Leonid fireball over California in 2009 – Ed Sweeney*

With a speed of 44 miles per second, Leonids are the fastest annual meteor shower. This extreme velocity ionizes the air and often leaves behind a visible smoke trail. This is known as a persistent train, and they can remain visible for quite some time, twisted by the winds of the upper atmosphere. Below is a Leonid persistent train I captured in 2023 that lasted for 20 minutes after the fireball.

Have you ever seen a meteor leave behind a vapor trail? I caught this bright Leonid yesterday at 2AM. pic.twitter.com/BrlhSf7sRy
— Kevin Palmer (@krp234) November 19, 2023

Radiant

The Leonids radiate from the sickle of the constellation Leo. At the time of the 1833 Leonid Meteor Storm, little was known about meteors. But it was noticed that the hundreds of thousands of meteors that night came from this point in the sky, creating an umbrella effect. This event marked the beginning of meteor astronomy. In mid-November Leo rises in the east between 11PM and 12AM. It will be highest in the early morning hours before dawn which is when meteor rates will be the highest. Few if any meteors will be visible in the evening when the radiant is below the horizon. In the Southern Hemisphere Leo rises even later and not as high so meteor rates there will be less.

This Year

2025 will be an excellent year for observing Leonids as far as moon phase goes. The 7% waning crescent moon will not rise until nearly 5AM on the peak morning of November 17th. For the most part meteor rates are expected to be average with a ZHR of 15. But according to meteor expert Mikhail Maslov, an outburst to 60-90 ZHR is possible this year with brightness higher than average. This is predicted between 19-23 UTC time on November 17. This timing would favor Asia where it is dark with Leo high in the sky. But keep in mind predictions are not always accurate. This enhancement could happen, early, late, or not at all. The only way to know for sure is to get out and watch.

Viewing Tips

Get to the darkest skies you can. Light pollution will drown out all but the brightest of meteors. Use the light pollution map or dark site list to find a viewing spot near you.
Let your eyes adjust to the darkness. The longer you look the more stars and fainter meteors you’ll see. Any bright lights or phone screens will hinder your view. A dim red flashlight or headlamp is best for getting around.
Turn off your headlights as soon as you park your car. Be considerate if other stargazers are around so you don’t ruin their view.
A beach chair or camping chair that reclines will be the most comfortable. Otherwise laying flat on the ground on a blanket is fine. You want to take in as much sky as possible so you don’t miss anything.
Bring warm clothes. You start to feel cold fast when you’re not moving.
Hot chocolate or coffee is helpful for staying awake.
Be patient. Meteors are often spaced unevenly. Sometimes 10 minutes may pass without seeing any and then suddenly there are 10 in a single minute.
Head over to How to Photograph a Meteor Shower for more photography tips