Peak Viewing Window

Leonids Meteor Shower 2026

Verdict

Poor

Effective Rate

9 meteors/hr

Famous for historically producing massive 'meteor storms' every 33 years, the Leonids are extremely fast and bright meteors.

Visibility Factors

🌒

Moon Phase

47% Illumination

Waxing Crescent

Theoretical Max

15 meteors/hr

↓Reduced by 47% moon glow

Effective Rate

9 meteors/hr

* Based on moon interference. Light pollution and atmospheric conditions will further reduce these visible rates.

Viewing Tips for Leonids

Look for the radiant in the constellation Leo rising in the east after midnight. Leonids are famous for persistent trains that remain visible for several seconds.

Find the RadiantLeo

Identify the constellation Leo in the sky. Look slightly away from it to see longer, brighter streaks.

Parent Body CometThese meteors are cosmic debris left by 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which burning up in our upper atmosphere creates this annual display.

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