x
Breaking News
More () »

The Leonid Meteor Shower, best of the month, peaks this weekend!

It is the best meteor shower of the month!

DALLAS — If the cloud cover can stay away, try to catch the Leonid meteor shower this weekend

When to watch

The mid-November meteor shower peaks between midnight and dawn on November 18th. This is when star gazers can spot between 10-15 meteors per hour under a clear sky and away from light pollution. 

This meteor shower lasts through December 2.

A crescent moon means that the moonlight won't be competing for your eye's attention.

Where does it come from?

Leonids are caused by a stream of debris from the Comet Tempel-Tuttle

Meteors in yearly showers gain their names from where they appear to radiate. The name Leonid comes from the constellation Leo.  

If you trace the path of the meteors from where they appear to radiate from, they seem to come from the star Algieba in the constellation Leo. 

How to watch

Between now and December 2nd (peaking November 18th), look towards the southeast sky between midnight and sunrise. 

Step away from light pollution for the best results and let your eyes adjust to the darkness of the sky. 

Find the constellation Leo and count how many you see! 

Related

Stunning first photos taken by new European space telescope unveiled

Before You Leave, Check This Out