Leonids Fireball Image Credit by George Varros NASA
The Leonids Meteor Shower of 2008 becomes active November 10th. For a full thirteen days the meteor shower can be seen near the constellation Leo the Lion and is set to peak on November 17, 2008 in the early morning hours of Monday. The Leonids are world-renowned since their meteor showers have been notorious meteor storms in the past and can be among the most brilliant. The Leonids get their name from the locality of their radiant near the constellation Leo, as the meteors seem to emerge from that point in the sky. One of the most celebrated Leonids Meteor Shower was categorized as a meteor storm and occurred in November of 1833 where an estimated one hundred thousand meteors bombarded the Earth’s atmosphere per hour. The culprit for this commotion can be traced to the Comet 55P/Temple-Tuttle. I’m not insinuating that you will see a shower of monstrous proportions like those of the past, but I can assure you that a Leonid is always worth viewing.
The Leonids of 2008 will be a lot different due to a waning gibbous moon phase that will see about 75% of the Moon’s illumination in the sky and the fact that Leo appears close to the horizon in the northern hemisphere. The ginormous hourly rate of the past was caused by a direct impact with the dust particles from the 55P/Temple-Tuttle Comet, but because of a disturbance of the gravitational pull of the planet Jupiter we may not see such activity for 50 or 60 years. The last time the shower displayed incredible displays in the sky was in 2001 and was virtually unpredicted. Because the Leonids have always been volatile, I hope this year some of you will witness an amazing swarm of meteors in the heavens. Remember meteors can be seen anywhere in the sky, but you can follow their route back to their apparent radiant. I am always thrilled to view your comments, so please post your meteor sighting activity here and of course always stay positive and you never know what the skies will bring you.
- Keep Your Head Up!
- Meteor Mark
on Oct 27th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Do you think this shower will be heavy this year?
on Oct 27th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I will be posting some more information on November 1, I do believe this shower is worth a look. Check back and I will keep you posted.
The Leonids have been know to do amazing things without warning!
on Nov 6th, 2008 at 6:30 am
I live in Ocean Springs, MS north of Interstate 10. Can you post a chart to show where the Constellation Leo is located in relation to the Big Dipper. Starting on Nov 10th, what is the peak time to see activity? Will this time hold true for the days leading up to and including Nov 17th?
on Nov 6th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Pam,
I definitely will add the map for you. I will be updating the site just a few days before the Leonids starts which in fact is November 10th, I will base the sky map on the site to for people in your area. The funny thing is I planned to use the “Big Dipper” as a guide to point to Leo because most people find the “Big Dipper” and Orion the easiest to spot in the sky. I will be answering all the questions you asked in the next few days (Nov 7 & 8).
In the meantime bookmark the site and “Keep Your Head Up!”
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 8th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Where will you post the map? Will it be under the mini-astroviewer or elsewhere on the site?
From 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. today (Nov
there were six very visible meteors. I am looking forward to knowing the best direction and tiem to view the most meteors starting with Nov. 10th. I’m going to check later tonight to see there is any activity.
I look forward to the map!
Thanks – Pam
on Nov 8th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
My wife and I live in Gulf Breeze, Florida and would love it if you could help out with mapping where to look. I hope it’s not too late, just discovered this site.
Thanks in advance!
Lyndon
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Hello Lyndon and Pam,
You both live relatively close to each other. Look toward the East on November 17th between 12:01 AM and 4:00AM. This map should be somewhat accurate for both of you. Hope it helps and keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Thanks so much for posting the map!
I hope to see more each day as the 17th gets closer. And I’m expecting great viewing on the 17th!
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I live in Indonesia and my time zone is GMT +7. which direction should i look and what time to see this leonid shower?
Forgive me if you have if you have difficulties understanding my english.
Thank you.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Wimbi,
Your English is very good! Look to the East anytime after 12:00 AM on November 17/18 these days is when the Leonids Meteor Shower will be at its maximum.
The moon may block your view of the meteors. I should add, meteors can be seen anywhere and anytime in the night sky.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Pam,
You’re welcome. I hope this year the moon doesn’t wash out the Leonids, but many of my fellow scientists feel it may not be the most stellar event this year. Check with me each month, you’ll always be able to find out what is going on here, when it comes to meteors!
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
i’m such a newbie in meteor topic and always thought that meteor shower only go on in few minutes. But after i’ve read your explanation, it seems that i can see the shower anytime i want on 12::00 AM – 4:00 AM, am i right?
Thanks
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Wimbi,
Yes you are right.
Bookmark this site. I will be giving you information on when Major Meteor Showers are occurring. There is basically one or two every month. Thousands of meteoroids enter our Earth’s atmosphere daily. Meteor Showers are ones that occur on an annual basis and seem to originate from a certain point in the sky, they are also commonly associated with a specific comet.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 2:45 am
sir Mark,
I’m jane from philippines, could i see the shower? on 17?
and if yes could you give me a help on where to look up?
like you did with lyndon and pam,
thanks in advance sir mark.
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I saw something “fall” from the sky last night – we were traveling south east…beautiful, big and BRIGHT! Thanks for the information on this site – I will definitely be on the lookout for more displays!
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Hello there,
I live in Hot Springs, Arkansas and we are to have Thunderstorms moving in tonight and tomorrow. Was wondering in which direction should we be looking? I’m sure they will be everywhere in the sky though? Don’t most of the showers last a few days longer than expected? Thanks for your response and look forward to the Fireball viewing. It’s great having a convertible to open and watch the sky! Could there also be some sightings of UFO’s out there during these times? I’ve seen 7 in the past while watching the meteor showers. Thanks again for your input.
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Jane,
Please look to the East. Leo could be below the horizon. The moon will be bright in the sky and may also effect the amount of meteors you see.
This sky map may also help people who live near the Philippines Area.
-Meteor Mark
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Pamela,
I am not much of help when it comes to UFOs but I am sure that people will mistake some of the Leonids for UFOs. You will be able to view Leonids from November 10th to November 25th with peak dates on November 17/18. You should be looking to the East after midnight any time between these dates.
Let me know if you see any meteors not UFOs I like meteors better.
Keep Your Head Up
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 11th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I hear a meteor/asteroid is due to strike the earth on the 15 th November. Can you verify this?
on Nov 11th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Rich,
I have not received any information from my vast network to verify this.
Normally this would be big news for us scientists and I would be receiving tons of information from my network if this were the case. So far nothing.
I will update you if I hear anything.
Thanks for the comment.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 12th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Dear Meteor Mark…
I live in Central New Jersey…in Milltown, Middlesex County, USA. Can you please post a “Map” for me so I can get the best viewing for the Leonid Meteor Shower…?? If I have to “Travel” elsewhere to see it…I will…!! I love watching Meteor Showers…!! Thank You Kindly for all your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Linda Ann
on Nov 12th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Thanks so much!!!!!
on Nov 12th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Linda Ann,
You can use the maps within the comments in this post to locate the Leonids in the constellation Leo. Comment #17 has a decent map for residents of New Jersey. The only difference is that Leo will be higher in the sky and will be to the East. If you can find the Big Dipper, look to the right of it to find Leo. Keep in mind that meteors can be seen anywhere in the sky and their radiant traces back to Leo.
This year unfortunately the Moon will be a waning gibbous phase with 74% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated, this means the Moon will shed a lot of light into the sky therefore degrading the amount of Leonids you will see this year.
If you would like to see this shower best without going to far, find a place where there is minimal city lights and go out after Midnight and try looking at the darkest part of the sky as the moon will be really bright (sadly).
Keep your head up and check back with us,
- Meteor Mark
Could you also post your Leonids meteor sightings here and let us know how many you ave seen that morning? I have heard rumors that a possible meteor swarm may occur in the Northern hemisphere around 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
I will be out in Mystic, CT viewing so we’ll keep in touch.
on Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I live in Los Angeles, CA and have been trying to find out when a good time would be to see a meteor shower. I heard that Fresno or Big Bear in CA were good places to see them, but I’m not sure.
Would someone please help? Thank you!
on Nov 12th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Jestyne,
Anywhere there is little man-made light in the sky is a great place to view a meteor shower.
As I have stated before, the Moon will be a really big threat to the Leonids Meteor Shower because it is nearly 75% fully illuminated in the night sky.
This year’s Leonids will be affected by the gleam of the Moon, but you will still see some Meteors.
The Leonids is set to peak in the morning hours of November 17/18 after midnight until dawn.
Report your meteor stories here and keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Ok, I’ve seen two giant meteors in two nights, each had different appearance, however both large. I have seen meteor showers before the white light streaking across the sky. Last night it was a giant white light going straight down. Tonight it looked like red fire on entry side turning to an orange fireball. I’m in Ks near Ok. Am I seeing Taurids or Leonids?
bre
on Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
I live in Georgia,GA and have been trying to find out when a good time would be to see a meteor shower. Like during what time where. you know. i don’t wanna go outside and stay there and get sick, because we are in winter and it’s really cold.
Please help me i really want to see this one so bad.
on Nov 13th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
i live in the Philippines,
do you think i will see the Leonids Meteor Shower?
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Hello Meteor Viewers,
Let me answer the last three questions in one comment.
Jasmine: Yes, but the Moon will be a factor, you will see less Leonids Meteors per hour because of this.
Bre: In order to determine what Meteor you are viewing, you must try and track the reverse path of the Meteor/Fireball back to its radiant. If you draw a line back to the Constellation Taurus then it is a Taurids Meteor, if you trace the path back to the Constellation Leo, then you’ve seen a Leonids meteor. There are some meteors which are called sporadic meteors which mean that they are not associated with any particular meteor shower.
Christelle: The Leonids will peak November 17/18 after midnight and will be degraded by the moon light. Leonids will appear anywhere in the sky and anywhere in the world. I can’t guarantee that it won’t be cold or that you won’t get sick, but if that’s what you are worried about then there are meteor showers every month and when the weather warms up, you can find the information here, so bookmark the site and check with me.
You can find plenty of information on this site as to where to look for any upcoming shower, I will be posting some new material this weekend about the Leonids.
Hope this answers everyone’s questions,
Keep your head up,
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Weather permitting, I’ll be taking several people to the Judean Desert in Israel to look for the Leonids, despite the moon’s unwanted presence. I had taken three of my children out to see the Leonids in 1999, on the day before the predicted peak (because I was to be working the night of the peak), and my children and I were treated to an unexpected 3 hr burst of meteors that left us all breathless (with between 10-20 a MINUTE), so I would strongly recommend to everyone who can, go out and have a look. These bursts may be short-lived and can never be accurately predicted.
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hi! I live in Port Heiden, Alaska on the Alaskan Peninsula. I saw a huge meteor last night and actually saw it break apart!
I was wondering what a good viewing time for my location would be over the weekend and on the 17th? Even though it is really cold outside, I can’t wait to see more of this shower!
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Taleya,
November 17th is the maximum date and there will be Leonids Meteors in the sky until November 25th.
Please view this post: When to Look
Keep your head up,
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 15th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Dear Mark,
I live in Teddington, England, just outside London and always try to watch the meteor showers despite quite a lot of street lighting. Could you give me the best time to view the Leonids, please, always hoping that there won’t be a lot of cloud cover. If you could also post a ‘map’ for me that would be really helpful, or if not then perhaps you could indicate whether I should be looking east or west, etc.
Many thanks,
Linda.
on Nov 15th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Linda,
For most people viewing any meteor shower is best after midnight until dawn. The mornings of November 17/18 are peak activity dates. I have heard a rumor that between 12:01 AM and 1:00 AM November 17th Universal Time (UT) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) there may be a big outburst.
City lights and the moon are really going to hamper your view, but even having said that take a look EAST between these times and let me know. Here’s an approximate map to help you.
Keep Your Head Up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Dear Mark,
I live in Toronto, Canada. Could you please give me the best time to see the Leonids? This will be my first time to see any meteor shower, so I don’t really know how it works. Will I be able to see anywhere?
Thanks a lot!!
Michelle
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 2:29 am
Michelle,
Try searching this site for Leonids. Or Click the Leonids Search Link.
You can view Meteor Showers anywhere in the world and best between midnight and dawn.
Your questions are answered throughout the site. If you have any other questions, please post them here.
Keep your head up,
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 3:01 am
I live in Santa Barbara. Can you post a chart to show the peak time to see Leonids Meteor Shower on Nov 17th?
Thanks
Sanji
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 3:13 am
Sanji,
Your map is almost identical to the map posted in comment #7 for Lyndon and Pam. Look to the East after midnight until dawn on November 17th and the 18th. You may be able to see some right now. Leo should be rising off the horizon right now. 12:12 AM California Time.
Keep your head up and tell me if you see any meteors.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Sorry if this has already been asked but, GMT question. I looked it up and it said to add 5hrs to my time so 12am GMT would be 5am in FL? Don’t want to miss the little window. Also, our storms are cleared up here and was just came in. Saw 6 in about 5mins. They are kinda faint and super fast but, TOTALLY AWESOME. Can’t wait till tomorrow!
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 4:49 am
Thanks for the awesome news, about the time zone question for example November 16th 11PM EST would be November 17th 4AM GMT
Some move at 140,000 Miles Per Hour, they’re faint because of the moon this year.
Keep your head up!
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Ok, so you do + it and not -. Thanks Bunches!! We will be watching. Are you expecting a huge display durring that 30min window or just better viewing?
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 4:59 am
Meteor Mom,
Nothing is guaranteed, but one of my buddies says that he heard a lot of activity then. In Florida it would be between 7:01PM and 7:30PM It just might be dark enough…
I will be out there looking too…report to me if you get out there and of course I will too.
Don’t forget to get out there in the AM on the 17th…
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 5:04 am
Ok, another question, so sorry, but, if you add 5 hrs to us for GMT, and you said it was between 12 & 12:30, that would be 5am for us?
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Meteor Mom,
It can get confusing, I do it all the time. The red clock above is GMT the green clock is EST.
12:30 AM GMT Nov 17th would be 7:30 PM EST Nov 16th
The possible outburst will be after 12:01 AM Universal Time (UT) which is the same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is the same as 7:01 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST or GMT-5)
Haha,
Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Ok, I think I understand now. So, I should be watching @ 7:01pm tonight & change it on my blog! It is dark now by about 6:45 here.
Here is another one for ya. The moon isn’t up till 9:35 and the Radiant crest’s about 12:35 with Leo not up till 1am. Do you really think we will see anyting here in FL? We will watch anyway but, you would know by previous ones like these if you had any reports of People still seeing the show?
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Meteor Mom,
You definitely got it right. Leo doesn’t rise above the horizon either until much later, I think around midnight. Remember Leonids trace back to Leo that’s where the radiant is. I would suggest looking into the darkest part of the sky and to the North. That’s what I am going to do. People are reporting seeing Leonids at all times of night, so we’ll have to wait and see. Think of all the times you saw meteors nowhere near their Constellations Radiant, right? Just trace the backward path to a point in the sky and I bet it points toward Leo. You’re getting good at this.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 6:33 am
WOW, u r so quick to answer back. Thanks Bunches! I went back out for about an hour earlier and only saw 2. But, the 6 in five mins. from earlier were awesome. The kids will be so excited tonight if we can see them. Thanks again for the info, I will deff. post tonight and let you know if we see anything. You have a wonderful and informative site. Have a great day and Happy Gazing!!
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Haha…I take great pleasure from teaching people especially children. Science and astronomy is really cool stuff when you’re a kid, oh wait a minute, you’re an adult…why are you having so much fun!?!?
Haha…thanks for the compliment about the site. I think it is pretty cool too…
Best regards,
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 7:02 am
hahahahahah,
I am going to stop taking up space on your comments now so, Have a good day and get some sleep.
My Darling Husband who was half asleep, curled up next to me in the COLD @ 4am this morning would ask the same question. My 8year old Autistic son says that he wants to be an Astronaut when he grows up. I am really big on encourageing dreams and learning ((hands on)). Of corse he wants to meet an Alien, catch a shooting star for Mommy & walk on the moon!
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Bummer….overcast tonight…was really hoping the skys would be clear on the 16/17th of November…havn’t watched a shower for years….it’s only 5:30, and maybe it clears up by thins coming morning….but i doubt it…..bummer.
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Bummer,
Yeah for me too…but don’t worry bookmark the site, next month we have a better one!
Best regards,
Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Saw what I can only conclude were Leonids at 1:25am on Nov 16, streaking east to west over the Oregon Coast (from town of Cannon Beach) and out into the ocean. First one was the size of a pea held at arms length and its transit was less than a second, a minute or so later there was a second one, half size, half speed, and arms width further south from the path of first. Pretty cool.
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
RW BONN,
Thanks for the post! They are cool! Bookmark the site for next month’s shower information. The Leonids are set to peak November 17th, for me that’s 4 Hours and 22 Minutes from now.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
@ what time should we look @ the sky?
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Christelle,
Please read this post: When to Look
The Leonids are set to be peaking November 17 and also extra activity on November 18th. The Meteor Shower ends November 25th.
Keep your head up
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Meteor Mark,
You are an awesome individual. I have been following the Leonids for the last 12 years and I love some of the displays I have watched, but you help everyone on how to see them. Keep it up. I am getting ready to watch them later tonight, we have beautiful skies here.
Maria from Orlando Florida.
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Maria,
Thanks for the kind words. I have some clouds here, so report back to me your views. Sadly, I may not see any. This year’s Leonids may not be the best, but they are always worth a view. Bookmark the site and check back with me for next month, I think it might be special…
Keep your head up!
-Meteor Mark
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I have never really got into meteor watching but my boyfriend “Rich is a meteor nut and this site is cool.
Thanks for all the info, we will be viewing tonight after midnight from Sacramento CA
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Thanks Demi,
Bookmark the site and check with me later, I am going out after midnight too. The Leonids is peaking November 17th.
There will also be a lot of activity next month so keep in touch.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 1:05 am
hey
i live in coquitlam British Columbia, Canada
i really need to know when I’ll be able to see the Meteor Shower
please
emergency!
Thank you
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I am trying to see the meteors but I don’t see anything. I thought I might have seen a very faint one but I am not sure. it is 12:13am right now. I am in the central time zone. I looked over where leo is located. I think I just need help because I am a rookie.
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Julian,
The moon is so bright it is hampering views of this shower, bookmark the site and I will be telling you when there will be more.
Search around this site, I have written a few articles that should help you understand things about this shower.
Keep your head up and still keep looking.
-Meteor Mark
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Jessica,
Get out there and look, use the “Big Dipper” as a guide. The shower is occurring now. Have you viewed the comments 17 and 34 for where to look. I am heading out there again to look. It’s so cold out tonight!
Keep your head up,
-Meteor Mark
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Hey, thanks I appreciate it. Yeah, the moon did not want to share the stage tonight.
I will keep my head up, thanks again.
-Julian
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 3:45 am
A group of us left the lights of the cities and stood in the Judean Desert on the way to the Dead Sea and watched the moon wash out what looked like a reasonable shower. In two hours (from 2200 to 2415 hours UT (midnite to 2am local time) we saw 20 meteors including about 5 “wow” streaks, a few with trails. But there were several “faint” ones which, on a moonless night, would have been easily seen. No matter, the experience was fun, especially for 2 who had never seen a meteor shower. It was, by the way, beautiful weather here–65 degrees. One of the advantages of living here when it comes to the weather in November. This was the first time I’ve gone so far just for a meteor shower (50 miles from my home near Tel Aviv) and now I have found a great location for future meteor observing and stargazing. Clear skies to all!
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 3:49 am
Menachem G,
This comment is an inspiration, thank you. Bookmark the site and I will let you know about next month’s meteor shower. It might be a little better!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 5:42 am
i already have. so, how is the shower going? did the rumored outburst between 0000 and 0200 hrs UT materialize? When we packed up at 0015 UT, there was an increase–one every 5-6 minutes, but certainly not what I had seen in 1999 (4-5 per minute!)
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Was out last night but the leonids were on the quiet side(shame as I live in Sweden with long dark winter nights).Keep my fingers crossed for tonight.Happy watching one and all.Barry
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 8:47 am
i hope i can see the meteor shower
i’m from philippines and i really hope i can see one.
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 11:29 am
well I know nothing about meteors! At all! But i got in Bed in Santa Barbara, Ca at 10:45 pst last night and was gazing out the window. I saw a light that looked like it was in the usual airport traffic pattern.. but it didnt move..I watched it for a while and it seemed to be green and blue and red all at the same time.. I got up and got binoculars.. it was so amazing.. sparking with all kinds of colors and undulating light! I tried to keep my eye on it til it broke up or… well i didnt actually know what it was going to do.. But I eventually fell asleep… Looks like I saw my first meteor!
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Barry, Kerry and Steph:
There may be more activity tomorrow morning between midnight and dawn. The shower is now dwindling down but it is still active.
Keep your head up
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Menachem G,
I haven’t heard anything from my key observers and anyone on this site. I will keep you posted. My viewing session was cut short due to high winds and low temperature, I saw a few, but this year’s Leonids was definitely not like it was in the past. The moon was just to bright.
Best regards,
Meteor Mark
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
i sit outside @ 12:01-12:30 and more but i didn’t see anything. And i was away from the city. all i saw was brighter and i thought was a leo, but it wasn’t. I don’t know what to do.
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I live in the central area like Minnesota what time will i be able to see the leonides shower please help me
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Living in Los Angeles near the beach. The smoke from the fire has cleared up. Any chance that we will be able to see meteors tonight in the LA area and if so, at what time?
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Jordan, Gary and Christelle,
The shower peaked on November 17th in the morning, there will be activity until the 25th. If you want to try and see meteors from this shower it is best to look after midnight until dawn. I saw a few, the moon was very bright and degraded most of the faint meteors from my view.
I suggest bookmarking the site and check back with me, there are meteor showers every month. Maybe next month will be better.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Tonight at 5:33 (dusk) I was traveling west from Hobe Sound Beach in Florida (located half-way between Miami & Orlando) to the central part of Florida. The road runs for about 10 miles toward Route 95 and I could see a HUGE meteor traveling from the southeast to the northwest for the whole ride. I didn’t have to take my eyes off the road – it was right in front of me!! WOW!
It was wonderful with a very long trail. I have never seen one before. I watched the launch of the Endeavor at the space center Cape Canaveral (about 130 miles north of me) and it was as bright as that!!! I googled “meteor November 17 2008″ and found your website!! NOW I have your map!! THANK YOU!!! NOW I may have a new hobby, too!!
Thank you Mark xo
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Cindy,
THANX! Bookmark the site, I will be giving everyone news when next month’s shower is coming. The Leonids lasts until November 25th and there is also a minor meteor shower the Alpha Monocerotids in November.
Meteor shower viewing is a great hobby for everyone!
Keep in touch,
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 12:35 am
I live in Kentucky (CST) what time should i go out to look tonight/early tomorrow to see these showers? I love to see them, they are so radiant, God gives us awesome shows!!
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 12:36 am
btw….you rock Mark!!!
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Sissy,
How can I rock if you rock? And aren’t Meteoroids Rocks? Haha! Read this post: When to Look
I think Kentucky has two time zones? Get out there after midnight until dawn.
A quick note the Leonids peaked in the morning of November 17th. But you may still see some activity until the 25th.
- Keep Your Head Up
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Thanks so much. Yes Kentucky has 2 time zones Central and Eastern, i am located in the Central Time Zone. I just stepped outside and am very sad due to the clouds
however I just looked at the radar and it looks like the clouds will be out of here in about an hour YAYYY 
So I am off to battle the cold and find me a nice open field to make camp in! Thank goodness for the empty fields this time of year!
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
its tues. the 18th & we’re in new jersey- did we miss leonids ? was it visible ? thanks,
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Hi Mark,
I’m in the Sacremento Valley in Ca. and around 5:40pm I just happened to look out my window and saw a fireball flying across the night sky. It was red, bright and going very fats. Can I assume it was from this shower? Thanks for any information you have.
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I’m in Orlando, Florida in the eastern part of Orange County and I saw a bright light streak across the sky very fast just before 9:00 pm EST.
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Kim,
It is more possible it was, it is less possible it wasn’t. Without knowing what the path in the sky was and tracing the backward path to a radiant, there is no way to tell. Check out the glossary for a description of some meteor terms and let me know if you can remember the path, I want to help you.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 18th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Lynn,
There is plenty of information throughout the site to answer this question. Please use the search feature in the upper right corner and type, “leonids”
You missed peak activity, but the shower is occurring until November 25th.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 19th, 2008 at 4:28 am
It was another disappointing Leonid peak here in Columbia, SC. We haven’t had any decent stream activity in years. Not even early earth grazers.
Terry Always-Hoping-For-Better Edwards
on Nov 19th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Kim,
I live in Medford, Oregon and saw the same fireball. My husband and I were sitting at a stop sign when I saw this huge fireball streaking across the sky. My husband saw the tail end of it (after it changed from reddish-orange to white) just before it burned out. It was incredible! I am disappointed that there is not more coverage on this…it tops just about anything I’ve seen in my life. I am still marveling about what I saw because it was so low in the sky and it was HUGE! Thanks for reporting what you saw.
Sandi
on Nov 19th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Mark,
In response to the path of the fireball on Nov 18, it came from the east and appeared to be heading southwest.
Sandi
on Nov 19th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Sandi,
The constellation Taurus appears on the horizon on the west coast during the times that you both saw the meteor. Given the path that you suggested, east to southwest, we can guess that you may have seen a Southern Taurids Fireball not a Leonids Fireball! It certainly fits the description.
Please read this post: Halloween Fireballs
Thanks for the comment, I think we solved the dilemma.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
In central CA, Nov 19, 2008 at about 6:30AM, it was actually getting light in the sky, no stars in view, but my husband and I were walking and we sure saw a sight in the sky. It looked light a streak in one direction and a ball of light going the opposite direction. I’m wondering how nobody else would have seen this awesome sight!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Hi,
A meteor just passed over the town of Lashburn, Saskatchewan, Canada at 5:30 pm. I have never heard a sound such as this. It is one that I will never forget. I actually thought a plane had exploded over our town. It actually lit up our entire community. It also shook every house in our community of 914 people. We do not have earthquakes here but I imagine that is what one may feel like. As of yet they have no idea where it landed.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Lisa,
AMAZING! I heard this was quite an event. It has been mentioned on a few Canadian Newspapers. I would love to hear more and I will keep you posted if any other information comes my way.
- Keep Your Head Up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 5:00 am
I saw the video on CBC TV tonight. It was awesome. I’ve seen bolides and big meteors before, but nothing like that. Too bad it was cloudy here. Hoefully it will clear off within the next couple of days so I can see something other than snowflakes falling from the sky