Stargazers Rejoice: Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight with Minimal Moonlight

The Leonid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on the night of November 18, 2025, providing stargazers with an opportunity to witness a dazzling celestial display. According to the latest reports, the shower is active from November 3 to December 2, but the peak period is expected to occur between November 16 and 18.

Fortunately, the conditions for viewing the Leonids this year are particularly favorable. With a waning crescent moon that rises late in the predawn hours, the night sky will remain naturally dark, allowing viewers to spot the fainter streaks of light that are often washed out by moonlight. Under these ideal conditions, observers may be able to see up to 15 meteors per hour, as Earth moves through the debris left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle.

The Leonids are known for their speed, racing across the sky at up to 44 miles per second. While a rare meteor storm is not expected this year, the shower still offers a strong chance for a memorable display, with the next dense debris encounter not expected until 2099.