Early Monday morning, skywatchers can expect a spectacular display as the **Leonid meteor shower** graces the night sky. This annual event, known for its stunning visibility, coincides with the potential for a second auroral storm. Although 2025 is considered an off year for the Leonids, favorable lunar conditions and historical patterns suggest that the display could still be impressive.
The **Leonid meteor shower**, which originates from the periodic **Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle**, typically peaks in mid-November. This year, the Moon will be in a **6% waning crescent phase**, rising just two hours before sunrise, which means the sky will be dark and ideal for observation. The radiant point for the meteors will appear in the northeastern sky around **2:00 AM** local time.
Although meteor rates are expected to be lower this year, the Leonids have a history of remarkable displays. Observers recall witnessing **historic peaks** in 1999 and 2000, where rates exceeded **1,000 meteors per hour**. Those lucky enough to experience the **1998 display** from Kuwait described it as one of the most breathtaking astronomical sights, with fireballs lighting up the desert sky.
Alongside the meteor shower, skywatchers should be aware of another celestial phenomenon. A significant sunspot, **AR 4274**, recently produced an **X-class flare** on **November 14**, which may impact Earth’s space weather. Following the **Veteran’s Day storm**, which allowed auroras to be seen as far south as **Florida** and **Hawaii**, there is potential for another auroral display on the night of **November 16-17**. Clear skies will be essential for optimal viewing.
Historically, the Leonids have sparked interest in meteor science. The **1833 shower** astounded observers along the U.S. East Coast, while the **1966 display** set a record with an estimated **160,000 meteors per hour**. These events helped establish the connection between meteors and the debris from space rather than merely atmospheric phenomena.
Meteor observations are accessible to everyone; all one needs is a clear view of the sky and patience. Some enthusiasts even tune in to radio frequencies to hear the faint pings of meteors entering the atmosphere.
As the Leonid shower unfolds, it also sets the stage for next month’s **Geminid meteor shower**, which is renowned for its high meteor rates. With the next major peak of the Leonids anticipated around **2033**, this weekend presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike.
Keep a lookout in the early hours of **Monday**, as the sky may hold mesmerizing surprises, from shooting stars to the enchanting glow of auroras.
