Leonid was a popular meteor shower and if you wish to relive that, you’re in luck. You should be on the lookout as a Leonid meteor shower can happen this year too. The Leonids are expected to peak around November 17, 2024
Skywatchers have reason to keep a lookout for the Leonid meteor shower this year, as Earth may encounter remnants of past Leonid meteor streams. The Leonids are set to peak on November 17, 2024, at around 4:00 AM Universal Time (UT). The meteor shower can be seen most prominently in Europe. Under ideal conditions, the Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) is expected to reach 15-20 meteors per hour. But that’s not all, additional meteor streams from previous encounters with comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, the source of the Leonids, could add surprises this year.
In addition to that, Earth may pass through a series of older dust trails left by the comet’s orbit. This includes a stream from 1633, which last produced a storm in 2001. Jérémie Vaubaillon of the Paris Observatory has predicted that this encounter can occur on November 14, possibly offering an early show for viewers in northwestern North America. Further, a 1733 stream could trigger increased meteor activity on November 19-20, this will be particularly visible over north and central Asia.
But let me share some bad news also. The observing conditions might not be ideal as a waxing gibbous Moon will create substantial sky brightness around the peak dates. If you want to get the best view, and if you’re in these places, then you should aim for the pre-dawn hours.
This year’s Leonid activity is predicted to be moderate but you never know, something might surprise you. You might not want to miss it, especially if you’re in places where it can be spotted.