Early Monday morning, November 17, 2025, stargazers can look forward to the annual Leonid meteor shower and a potential encore of auroral activity. Although this year is considered an off year for the Leonids, the conditions are favorable for viewing. The Moon will be a thin 6% waning crescent, rising only two hours before sunrise, which will allow for darker skies and optimal meteor visibility.
The Leonids are known for their spectacular displays, with the most impressive storms occurring approximately every 33 years. During these events, meteor counts can exceed a thousand per hour. The radiant point for the Leonids will be located in the Sickle asterism, rising in the northeast around 2:00 AM local time for observers in mid-northern latitudes.
While 2025 does not promise peak meteor rates, clear skies could still deliver a memorable experience. In the late 1990s, the Leonids produced remarkable meteor storms, notably in 1999 and 2000. Observers have recalled extraordinary views, including fireballs illuminating the desert landscapes in Kuwait, making it one of the most unforgettable astronomical sights.
On the same night, another factor may enhance the night sky. A significant sunspot region, designated AR 4274, recently generated an X-class solar flare, which could lead to a glancing blow to Earth’s space weather. The auroras from a previous storm on November 11, 2025, reached as far south as Florida and Hawaii. If this solar activity continues, it may create additional auroras visible to observers.
The Leonids originate from the periodic comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This comet has a 33-year orbit, and its debris creates the meteor shower as Earth passes through it. Historically, Leonid storms have played a crucial role in the study of meteors. The extraordinary display in 1966, for example, saw an estimated 160,000 meteors per hour, leaving a lasting impact on meteor science.
Records of the Leonids date back to as early as 902 AD, with notable events such as the impressive display in 1833, which startled many on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Walt Whitman, the renowned poet, may have referenced the Leonids in his poem *Year of Meteors 1859-1860*, though it more likely pertains to the Great Meteor Procession of 1860.
Viewing meteor showers is an accessible way for anyone to engage with astronomy. All one requires is patience and a clear line of sight to the sky. Additionally, enthusiasts can tune into radio frequencies to listen for meteor pings, enhancing the observational experience.
The Leonids not only promise an exciting spectacle for skywatchers but also serve as a prelude to next month’s Geminid meteor shower. As 2033 approaches, questions arise about whether the Leonids will roar once more with a spectacular storm. For those keen on capturing the beauty of the night sky, this weekend presents an excellent opportunity. Keep a lookout for both the meteors and the possibility of auroras as the night unfolds.
