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November Meteor Showers: Taurids Peak Nov. 11–12 as Leonids Arrive Nov. 16–17 Under Dark Skies

Moonlight favors Leonid viewing next week, with the Taurids peaking under a brighter moon.

Overview

  • Northern Taurids are expected to produce about five meteors per hour at peak on Nov. 11–12, with a higher chance of bright fireballs tied to the Encke complex and fragments such as asteroid 2004 TG10.
  • Visibility for the Taurids may be reduced by a roughly 61% illuminated moon, with best viewing after midnight as the radiant in Taurus climbs higher.
  • The Leonids are forecast to peak the night of Nov. 16–17 (also visible Nov. 17–18) with roughly 10–15 meteors per hour under a thin waning crescent of about 9% illumination.
  • Originating from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, Leonid meteors are very fast—near 69.7 km/s—producing brief, bright streaks, and no storm-level outburst is projected for 2025.
  • Observers in the U.S., Mexico and worldwide should seek dark, low–light-pollution sites, watch after midnight toward dawn, and allow 15–30 minutes for night vision to adapt.