The Leonid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs as Earth passes through the debris left behind by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This year, the Leonids will be active from November 3 to December 2, with the peak occurring on the night of November 16-17, 2024. During the peak, observers can expect to see up to 15 meteors per hour, although the waning gibbous moon, which will be 98% full, will interfere with viewing conditions, making fainter meteors harder to see.
Comfort: Bring a blanket, a reclining chair, warm clothing, and a hot drink to stay comfortable while watching the meteors.
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Historical Significance
The Leonid meteor shower has a rich history, with notable meteor storms occurring in 1833, 1866, 1966, and 2001. The 1833 storm is particularly famous for producing hundreds of thousands of meteors per hour. While this year's shower is not expected to produce such a storm, it still offers a good opportunity to witness the fast and bright Leonid meteors.
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By combining the viewing of the last supermoon of 2024 with the Leonid meteor shower, stargazers can enjoy a unique celestial event that showcases both the beauty of our moon and the dynamic nature of meteor showers.
