Leonids Fireball Image Credit by George Varros NASA
This year during their peak, which is November 17th, the Moon will be a waxing crescent with 1% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated! This means that the sky will be very dark so the Leonids have a chance of being a very strong meteor shower showing. Over a decade ago the parent comet, 55P/Temple-Tuttle passed close to Earth and this comet is responsible for the Leonids meteor shower each year.
The Leonids are ultra famous because of amazing meteor storms in the past. The Leonids generally have been some of the most brilliant meteor showers over the years and take their name from the position of their radiant near the constellation Leo the Lion; this is because the meteors seem to materialize from that point in the sky. I would love to tell you that this year the Leonids will be a meteor storm, but meteor showers are one of the most unpredictable events. One of the most notable Leonids Meteor Showers was categorized as a meteor storm, which occurred in November of 1833 where an estimated one hundred thousand meteors bombarded the Earth’s atmosphere per hour. I’m not stating that you will see a shower of such monstrous proportions like those of the past, but I can assure you that a Leonid Meteor Shower is always worth viewing. The Leonids of 2009 may produce over 100 meteors per hour and that’s pretty strong activity.
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.
I’ve made a few posts last year that are worth checking out:
Leonids Fireball
Leonids Meteor Shower November 2008 News Flash
Leonids Meteor Shower of 2008
Your questions and comments are always welcome. Keep your head up.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 10th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Hi!
I live in Chicago, Il. which has a lot of light pollution, and I’ve heard that this makes it harder to watch meteor shower. I new at this so I’m not sure where to go to have the best view around my area. I was planning to drive somewhere darker with my friend to catch the Leonid shower but I keep getting different answers from different websites on where to go. So my question is where is the best place to go to watch this coming Leonid from Chicago?
on Nov 10th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Nikki,
Thanks for your question. I’m not familiar with Chicago. Leaving the city and going somewhere without man-made lights is a good idea. You could probably drive 45 to 60 minutes away from light pollution to get a better view. I wish I could give you a better answer. I have a friend in Chicago who may be able to reply with more info. Just remember that this meteor shower is best viewed in the pre-dawn morning hours on Tuesday not the evening. Keep your head up.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 10th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Hi Nikki,
I’m the friend from Chicago Meteor Mark was talking about. You might be able to see some of the shower in the city depending on a few things.
I’m on the north side of Chicago just north of Wrigley Field. I’m on a side street with no immediate bright lights around or tall buildings. I also have roof access. If you can get on top of a roof on a side street somewhere, you should be able to see some of the shower.
I have seen some great showers from my roof and I’m 3 stories up. If you want a full affect to guarantee a great show, you need to go outside of the city. If your on the south side, I would get south on highway 57 south of 94. Maybe even past highway 80.
If you live on the north side then I would suggest getting up to Evanston or north of there. Again you should be able to see something from roof access.
Remember the peak hours will be early morning and not late night. So I think that the best time might be around 4:30 to 5:00 A.M.
Meteor Mark can you confirm the peak time?
on Nov 10th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Jason,
You are correct, the best time to view a meteor shower is in the pre dawn morning hours (3 to 6 AM) just as long as it is clear and dark outside. The peak will be November 17th. Thanks for the reply.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 3:26 am
Meteor Mark and Jason!
Thank you so much for your help! This really helped out a lot! Looking forward to it!!!
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Hi,
I live in orange county, CA.
I love watching meteor showers but have no knowledge about it at all..
I would love to view a coming meteor shower.
I know I have to go away from city lights, darker the better.
However, i don’t know which way to look.
Could you please tell me the direction I should face?
Thank you!
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Alice,
The constellation Leo is in the eastern sky. You may want to review the Meteor Shower Viewing page. It has general information that can be applied to all meteor showers that will help you understand where and when to look.
Keep your head up.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Meteor Mark,
I live in Kuwait (just north of Saudia Arabia), in a light-filled suburb just by the sea. Our family are planning to drive south (approx. 1.5 hours away from city-lights), near the Saudi border, where it is almost completely dark, so as to get a good view of the night sky (approx. Nov. 14 – 17, when the moon should be a new crescent, right?).
The question is, though, will the Leonid Showers be visible from the Middle East? And also, will we be able to witness some of the meteors close to midnight, or do we have to wait until 3:00 am?
Thanks!! Looking forward to your reply
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Nur,
I believe the constellation Leo will be visible in the eastern sky but it will be low on the horizon. Leonids will be visible in the Middle East and can be seen in any area in the night sky, however being that the radiant Leo is low in the sky, one will see less meteors. Meteor viewers will be able to see meteors anytime when the sky is dark before and after November 17, as it gets closer to the pre dawn hour peak on November 17th one will see more meteors. Please visit the meteor shower viewing page on this site, it is located in the upper right hand corner. You ll see some additional articles explaining why it is better to look after midnight.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Many thanks for replying so soon!! Will be sure to visit the viewing page on MeteorBlog for planning our excursion. Hope to be able to view the Leonid Showers, then
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Hello MM:
I live in Puerto Rico and would love to catch the Leonid Showers. What’s the best time to catch it in the Atlantic Time Zone? Where is Leo located in the skies as viewed from the tropics? I would love to show this to my kids.
Gracias!
A
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I am in Fresno CA. I am confused of the time of when to see the Leonids this year. Is the peak Monday night/Tuesday morning (16/17) or Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (17/18)? Thanks. I don’t wanna miss this show!
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Hey Mark,
I live up in Toronto, ON (Canada). Light pollution is horrible here, so I will be staying at a friend’s house an hour away and hopefully catch some good meteors, even though I read that NA will not have a profound number compared to those of Asia
The article was a good read! Space is fantastic!
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I live in Independence Missouri and was just coming home from work when I saw a huge meteor that was coming from the east to west about 1:30 a.m. It lit up the sky for 2 to 3 seconds with a brilliant blue light, never seen anything like it before. Will be looking again tonight, the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Anyone else around K.C. seen it?
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I have always wanted to watch a meteor shower, but just can’t stay up. Last night I had an unfortunate encounter with a deer and by the time my husband picked me up it was after midnight. On our way home, (we were traveling east) something lit up the sky in a reddish hue. When I looked south, I saw a brilliant blue and pink (reddish) ball in the sky. It was absolutely beautiful. Was this a meteor? I have never witnessed this before so if this is a stupid question, I apologize. My husband said he seen two more “falling stars”.
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Barb,
I don’t know, my best guess is yes. They come in different colors. You can search for colors in the upper right hand corner. There is some good information on the Meteor Shower Viewing page and the Glossary too.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Eric,
I sure hope someone else in Kansas City saw it too. I’m in Connecticut so I missed it! They are usually local to a particular area.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Blackstone,
Keep your head up, you never know what could happen when it comes to meteors. For people living in North America you should be looking in the morning of November 17th and you might want to check out the Meteor Shower Viewing page and the Glossary on my site, there is helpful info there.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Nina,
You might want to check out the Meteor Shower Viewing page and the Glossary on my site, there is helpful info there and an article which describes when to look for all meteor gazers, no matter where you are. The answer to your question is the peak is November 17 in the morning, Tuesday night will be less active.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Angelique,
You can see meteors anywhere in the sky, try looking east and make sure you’re in a safe dark place. You might want to check out the Meteor Shower Viewing page and the Glossary on my site, there is helpful info there. There is generally no standard time for seeing major activity except that it is better to view meteor showers in the morning rather than in the evening.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Nur,
You’re welcome please let me know if you see any!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I live in Springfield, Missouri and last night as I was driving home from work (Nov. 12, approx. 1:30 am) suddenly everything just lit up so brightly that I slowed down the car and looked up through the windshield. Just a little to the west, a HUGE blue-green fireball was streaking across the sky, with a tail flaring long behind it. I have seen small meteor showers and falling stars before, but nothing compared to this! It only lasted a few seconds, but it was so large and so close that it scared me. Could this have been Leonid, coming in in a big blaze of blue-green glory? If so, it was the most impressive meteor I have ever seen and I sure didn’t need a telescope for it! Very exciting!
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I just seen the most awesome meteorite, it was the first orange one that I have ever seen and i’m 20….
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 12:31 am
Lee,
That’s a awesome. I suggest checking the glossary in the upper right hand corner to look at the difference between meteor and meteorite. Welcome aboard the “Meteor Gazing Viewing Team.”
Keep your head up.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Luann,
Thanks for the comment. Yes, maybe it could have been. I would have to see it myself to give you a better answer. If you can trace its path in the sky to a specific constellation it could give me more insight. Check the meteor glossary on this site for “radiant”. Meteors are certainly deserving the term glorious, I like it!
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Did anyone notice the huge fireball around 1:30am cst yesterday morning in the NW sky? It was bright green and seemed to leave a trail behind it. Maybe a part of the Leonids??
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Mark Green & Eric in Independence, MO – YES! I think all we saw the same thing!
Meteor Mark – Thank you for directing me to the term “radiant” in the glossary. I’m not that familiar with the constellations, but I will look into this to try to find where the radiant or back trail originated from. Perhaps I can find a website that will help me find the constellation from my exact location at the time of the sighting. I will get back to you when I can locate an answer. And THANK YOU so much for all this wonderful information and help!
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Luann,
You’re welcome. This post: – CLICK HERE – has software for exploring the night sky and some of the advertisers in the Blue Text on our site do too.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
When and where is the best spot to feature the Leonid meteor shower? I live from the Philippines.
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Hi there,
I live in Toronto but want to go outside of the city to watch the show the morning of 17th and evening. Where should I look to go for best viewing?
Thanks!
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Hi Mark,
I live in Ottawa Ontario Canada, just outside the city. Tonight around 8:30pm I saw the most amazing “falling star” it was huge a bright white ball with 5 tails of red and orange it was in the South East sky – any chance this was part of the Leonids? I’ve never see anything quite like this it really was spectacular what ever it was…
Thanks for the info
Lauri
on Nov 14th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Tals,
Sorry, I’m not familiar with Toronto. If you can see the stars in the Big Dipper, you will be able to see Leonid Meteors.
Keep your head up.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 14th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Teddie,
The Leonids will peak November 17th at approximately 15:00 Universal Time, please translate that time to your time zone and look in the morning hours closest to the peak, I believe that the Philippines is UTC+8 so it would be November 17th into the morning of November 18th. For people in the North and South America it is in the morning of November 17th in the pre-dawn hours. Meteors are always best seen after midnight and before dawn.
Keep your head up.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 14th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Hey Mark!
I live in Ottawa and was planning to go out late Monday night with friends to watch the shower.
If we go out around 10pm are we likely to see at least some activity?
Or will we only see shooting stars at the peak time of 3:30AM?
Thanks for all your advice
– Ebony
on Nov 14th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Ebony,
The best time to view meteors is after midnight, however there will be activity Monday night into Tuesday morning before dawn for viewers in North and South America and maybe some Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The shower is suppose to peak at around 15:00 Universal Time (GMT) on November 17th (unfortunately daylight hours) so anytime closest to that time when it is dark in the morning will be the best time. Have a look at the Meteor Shower Viewing Page on my site and the Meteor Glossary. There is some very helpful information to determine the best time to look wherever you are in the world.
- Meteor Mark
on Nov 15th, 2009 at 3:19 am
Hi Meteor Mark,
I live in Los Angeles. I’m planning to watch the coming meteor with my girlfriend but I have a midterm on the 17th. I am debating whether I should go on 17 or 18…. Would the activity on the 18th morning be significantly lesser? & If the 18th is okay, what would be a good time to watch?
Thanks for your help and providing this great site!!
Travis
on Nov 15th, 2009 at 3:30 am
I live just outside Omaha, Nebraska and in the early hours of November 13th, I’d say between 2 and 3 a.m., I was outside and saw a very clear green streak of light go across the sky, much slower than other shooting stars. I told my friend what I saw but thought I was going crazy; so I did some research, which led me indirectly to this site. I had no idea green meteors existed..nor did I know that the Leonids meteor shower was occurring. Thanks for the interesting information; I’ll be looking for more in the coming days!
on Nov 15th, 2009 at 4:18 am
Travis,
The answer to your question is yes. Look in the morning of the 17th. Please read the meteor viewing page on this site for details as to why it is always best to look in the morning.
- Meteor Mark