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Leonids meteor shower 2026 and 2027
The Leonids are active 6 – 30 November each year, with a peak rate of about 15 meteors an hour under perfect dark skies. They come from comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle. In 2027 the peak falls on 17 November, with bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
Leonids peak dates for the UK
Peak times are worked out from the Sun's position along its path (the solar longitude the International Meteor Organization gives for the peak), so they are accurate to within a few hours. Real peaks can arrive early or late. 'Best time' is the hour when the radiant is highest while the sky is properly dark.
| Year | Peak (UK time) | Moon at peak | Best time from London |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tue 17 November (around 14:52 GMT) | First quarter, 51% lit | 06:00 GMT, radiant about 60° up |
| 2027 | Wed 17 November (around 20:46 GMT) | Waning gibbous, 83% lit | 06:00 GMT, radiant about 60° up |
What to expect
The rate of about 15 an hour is the zenithal hourly rate, a figure for a perfectly dark sky with the radiant overhead. From a UK garden you will usually see a third to a half of that, fewer near towns or under moonlight. Leonids enter the atmosphere at about 71 km per second.
The radiant in Leo's 'sickle' rises around midnight, so the hours before dawn are best.
History and origin
The Leonids produced the most famous meteor storms on record, including 1833 and 1966, and strong displays around 1999–2002. Storms follow the parent comet's 33-year orbit, so the late 2020s and early 2030s are a time to watch for enhanced rates.
The meteors are specks of dust shed by comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle. When Earth crosses that dust each year, the grains burn up about 80 to 100 km overhead.
How to watch
- Find somewhere away from streetlights, ideally with a wide view of the sky. Our UK dark sky spots by county list designated places near you.
- Give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt, and keep your phone on a dim red screen.
- Lie back on a reclining chair and look about two-thirds of the way up the sky, not straight at the radiant.
- Dress for twice as cold as you expect, and bring a hot drink.
- Check the moon calendar for the phase, and the weather forecast for cloud.
Folklore and tradition
Shooting stars have long been seen as signs. A common British wish custom is to make a wish before the meteor fades and keep it secret. Others saw them as souls passing, or as a sign of good luck for the year. We share these as folklore, part of why people have always loved a night under the stars.
For a night under the stars
Questions answered
When do the Leonids peak in 2027?
Around 17 November 2027, near 20:46 GMT UK time. Watch the nights either side too.
How many Leonids will I see?
The peak rate is about 15 an hour under perfect skies. From a typical UK site, expect a fraction of that, depending on darkness and moonlight.
Will the moon spoil the Leonids in 2027?
At the 2027 peak the moon is 83% lit (waning gibbous), so expect bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
What causes the Leonids?
Dust from comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle, burning up as Earth passes through it.
Do I need a telescope to see the Leonids?
No. Meteors move too fast and across too much of the sky. Your eyes are the best instrument.
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