Leonids 2026
The Leonids are famous for historic meteor storms (thousands per hour in 1833, 1966, 2001). In normal years expect ~15/hr of the fastest meteors of any shower, many leaving persistent trains.
Moon conditions for the 2026 peak
New moon falls just after the 2026 peak, so expect excellent dark skies.
How to watch the Leonids
- The fastest shower meteors known at 71 km/s, Leonids look like brilliant instant slashes.
- Storm years follow the parent comet's 33-year orbit; the next candidate window is the early 2030s.
Check your sky first:meteors don't care about clouds, but you will. Open your city's page on our live conditions indexfor tonight's hour-by-hour cloud forecast, or find a certified dark-sky site within driving distance: the single biggest upgrade to your meteor count.
Free Leonids peak sky alerts, no app required
One email when aurora conditions align at your location, plus meteor reminder and go-time emails for peaks worth watching. Web alerts cover one US location per email.
Leonids 2026: FAQ
›When do the Leonids peak in 2026?
Night of November 17–18, 2026. The shower is active November 6 – 30, so nights within a few days of the peak still produce elevated rates, useful insurance if peak night is cloudy where you are.
›What time should I watch the Leonids?
3 AM to dawn. The radiant (The 'sickle' of Leo (east, after midnight)) needs to be above the horizon for you to see meteors, and rates climb as it rises higher.
›How many meteors will I see during the Leonids?
The ideal-condition rate is up to 15/hour. Realistically: from a dark rural site expect a third to a half of that; from the suburbs, far fewer. New moon falls just after the 2026 peak, so expect excellent dark skies.
›Where do the Leonids come from?
Comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle. Each year Earth crosses the debris left along its orbit, and those particles hit our atmosphere at 71 km/s, vaporizing as the streaks we call meteors.
›Do I need a telescope for the Leonids?
No. Meteors cross large areas of sky, so unaided eyes with the widest possible view win. Bring a reclining chair, dress warmer than you think you need, and give your eyes 20 minutes to dark-adapt.