The annual Leonid meteor shower known for its dramatic storms, could offer a celestial spectacle in 2024, although predictions are for a quieter year. Traditionally, the Leonids reach peak activity around November 17th, with a Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) of 15-20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This year, the best views will likely be seen from Europe in the early morning hours.
But there’s a twist. Jérémie Vaubaillon from the Paris Observatory IMCCE highlights that Earth may encounter some historical debris trails left by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, the source of the Leonids. If so, the show could be even better than expected:
•November 14: An encounter with a dust trail laid down in 1633 could give northwest North America a chance to glimpse increased meteor activity in the early morning hours.
•November 19/20: A 1733 trail may create a brief uptick in meteor rates, favoring parts of central Asia.
•November 14: Another, much older trail (over a millennium old) may align with the 1633 trail time, offering a second potential boost for viewers.
However, a waxing gibbous Moon nearing full phase on November 15th will cause light interference, likely reducing visibility of fainter meteors.
What Makes Leonid Meteor Storms Unique?
The Leonids stand out because every 33 years, as Earth moves through particularly dense parts of the comet’s trail, they can unleash a meteor “storm,” where ZHRs top 500 meteors per hour. The 1966 storm famously dazzled U.S. observers with an astonishing ZHR of up to 150,000 meteors per hour, lighting up the night sky with a meteor every few seconds.
Viewing Tips for the 2024 Leonids
The best viewing for the Leonids is typically after midnight, as the sky turns toward the incoming debris. Aim your gaze near the Sickle asterism of the constellation Leo to see meteors originating close to the radiant point, while longer, streaking meteors can be spotted around 45-90 degrees away.
For photographers, set up a DSLR camera with a wide field of view, ideally with an intervalometer to take continuous shots. A warm beverage and a cozy blanket will add comfort to this early morning activity.
The Leonids may not reach storm level this year, but if past showers have taught us anything, it’s that surprises happen. So don’t miss out just like meteor showers, opportunities like these come and go.
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