Leonids peak

Very fast meteors that can leave persistent glowing trains.

DateWednesday, November 18, 2026

Local time05:45

VisibilityFair

LocationBucharest

What to know

Best after midnight65° radiant altitude toward SEVisible from both hemispheres15 ideal ZHR · the real count is usually lower57% MoonNaked eyeYear-specific peak time

How this was calculated

Reference event

Active periodNov 3–Dec 3Best sampled moment: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 01:45

Source: International Meteor Organization annual shower calendar
Method: Published activity ranges with Moon interference calculated for the peak.
Accuracy and limits: Meteor peaks can drift by several hours and the quoted rate assumes a dark sky with the radiant high overhead.

Why this event matters

What you will actually see

Meteor showers reward patience and a wide field of view. The quoted rate assumes a very dark sky with the radiant high overhead.

Where to lookThe clearest, darkest part of your sky, but keep most of the sky in view rather than staring directly at the radiant.

What to bringNaked eye only. Binoculars and telescopes show too little sky to catch meteors reliably.

Before you leave

Prepare for the event

Go somewhere dark and block nearby lamps from view.
Bring a reclining chair, warm layers, and a dim red light.
Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to darkness.

At the observing site

How to observe it

Begin near the recommended time and settle in for at least one hour.
Look roughly halfway between the radiant and the zenith.
Avoid checking a bright phone screen; short quiet intervals are normal.