Leonid meteor shower peaks 17 November with up to 15 meteors per hour
The annual Leonid meteor shower runs until 30 November, with the best viewing expected mid-month when the Moon sets early.
At a glance
- The Leonid meteor shower is active across the UK until 30 November, peaking on the night of 17 November with up to 15 meteors per hour.
- The meteors originate from debris left by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle and enter Earth's atmosphere at 44 miles per second, making them the fastest visible meteors.
- Weekend weather may bring cloud and fog, but conditions improve by mid-November when the Moon sets early, offering darker skies.
The Leonid meteor shower is active across the UK throughout November, peaking on the night of 17 November. Observers may see up to 10 to 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
The shower consists of dust particles shed by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun. These particles strike Earth's atmosphere at up to 44 miles (71 km) per second, making the Leonids the fastest meteors visible in the night sky.
No special equipment is needed; the meteors can be seen with the naked eye. Experts recommend finding a safe, dark site away from street lights and allowing 20 to 30 minutes for eyes to adapt. A wide-open space with a full view of the sky gives the best chance of spotting meteors, which appear to radiate from the constellation Leo.
Clear skies are essential. This weekend's forecast shows dry weather but extensive cloud across many areas, with some rain or drizzle. The clearest opportunities on Friday and Saturday nights are in southern and western England and Wales, while northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland will see more cloud. By Sunday night, clearer skies may extend to more of the UK, though fog could form in areas that stay clear for long periods. Overnight temperatures will drop into single figures with a chance of frost, so warm clothing is advised.
If clouds spoil the view this weekend, conditions improve around the mid-November peak. The Moon will be below the horizon around midnight, reducing natural light pollution and providing darker skies for meteor watching. Hour-by-hour cloud, fog and temperature forecasts are available via BBC Weather online or the app.
Source: BBC Science.
Questions and answers
- When is the best time to see the Leonid meteor shower in the UK?
- The shower peaks on the night of 17 November, but meteors are visible throughout November; mid-November offers darker skies as the Moon sets early.
- What equipment do I need to watch the Leonids?
- No equipment is needed; the meteors are visible to the naked eye, though eyes need 20–30 minutes to adjust to darkness.
- Will the weather affect viewing this weekend?
- Cloud and fog are likely across much of the UK this weekend, with the clearest skies expected in southern and western England and Wales on Friday and Saturday nights.
