The Leonids are usually one of the more prolific annual meteor showers, with fast, bright meteors.
In 2026, the Leonid meteor shower will be active from 6-30 November and peak onvernight on 17 November.
What is the Leonid meteor shower?
The Leonid meteor shower is associated with the Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle.
The radiant (the point where the meteors seem to stream from) is at the head or 'sickle' of the constellation Leo the Lion, hence the name.
As the comet follows its path around the sun, it leaves a path of tiny debris. The cometary debris enters our planets atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per second, vaporising and causing the streaks of light we call meteors.
