Leonid Meteor Shower: When, Where & How to See it Over Indiana & Kentucky

Those of us that love to look to the stars are in for a treat during the month of November as some of the fastest meteors lights up the sky over Indiana, Kentucky and beyond.

More Than a Shooting Star

Often called shooting stars, meteors can be seen with the naked eye as they blaze through the night sky, but what exactly is a meteor, and what makes a meteor shower? According to NASA, meteors are nothing more than space rocks, and the friction created as it moves through the Earth's atmosphere generates heat. A lot of these rocks all at once are called meteor showers. The streak that you see across the night sky is actually just the glow of the air as the rock passes through.

Flying Rocks?

The idea of intergalactic rocks hurling toward Earth sounds a little scary, but NASA says that we really don't have anything to worry about since meteoroids are generally very small and burn up quickly. There is very little threat of one of them actually striking the planet.

How To Watch a Meteor Shower

You will want to find someplace away from the lights of the city. The darker the area you're in, the better. It can take nearly 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark, allowing you to see the night sky more clearly. Be sure you allow yourself time to acclimate to the dark and avoid other light sources like phones or flashlights. You don't typically need any additional gear or lenses to view most meteor showers either.

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When To See A Meteor Shower

There are a number of meteor showers that take place over the course of a calendar year. The Leonids meteor shower is one of the most well-known and takes place annually.

How Many Meteors Can We Expect to See with the Leonids?

While the Leonids don't produce as many meteors per hour as some of the other showers throughout the year, you can normally expect around 15 per hour and Space.com says the Leonids are known for their speed. They are some of the fastest meteors traveling at speeds up to 44 miles per hour as they shoot across the sky.

Leonid Meteor Shower Capable of Producing "Fire Balls" and "Meteor Storms"

Not only are these fast moving meteors, but the Leonids are also known to produce "impressive fireballs" with bright, long, and colorful streaks. While not likely in 2024, the Leonids are also known to produce a phenomenon known as a "meteor storm." Occurring approximately every 33 years for the Leonids, with the last one in 2002, meteor storms produce more than 1,000 meteors per hour. In 1833 the Leonid meteor storm produced 100,000 meteors per hour!

When To See the Leonid Meteor Shower

You can experience the Leonid Meteor Shower from November 3 through December 2, 2024. You will want to look to the sky between midnight and dawn for best viewing. They are expected to peak with the greatest number occurring per hour on November 16th.

What the Full Moon Will Mean for the Peak of the Leonids

Unfortunately, the moon will be at full illumination at that time and may make it more challenging to see fainter meteors. The moon will rise the evening of the 15th from the Northeast at approximately 4:17 PM CST and will set in the West-Northwest at approximately 7:35 AM CST on November 16th, according to TimeAndDate.com. The good news is that the Leonids will still be active throughout the entire month of November.

READ MORE: See An Ultra Rare Moonbow in Kentucky

What To Know Before You Go Watch a Meteor Shower

Before you head out to watch the meteor showers, it is a good idea to have an idea of a safe place to view them, particularly if you won't be viewing them from your own backyard. You'll want to be sure that you don't inadvertently find yourself trespassing while trying to get a good view of the night sky. And, since it is the midwestern, bug spray might be a good idea before you head outside. However and wherever you end up stargazing, I hope when you see one of the meteors that you pause to enjoy the magic of the moment and don't forget to make a wish.