The Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak tonight!

Spectacular night sky: The Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak tonight!

Who has any special plans tonight? If not, we have the perfect tip for you: Look up! The famous Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak tonight. [Current date – e.g. November 17/18] its annual highlight. A breathtaking natural spectacle awaits us when the Earth races through a cloud of comet dust, treating us to numerous "shooting stars".

What exactly are the Leonids?

The name "Leonids" comes from the fact that the meteor shower appears to originate from the constellation Leo – the so-called radiant. In reality, these are not actual stars falling from the sky. Rather, they are tiny particles of dust and rock left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle in its orbit around the sun. When Earth crosses this path around this time each year, these particles enter our atmosphere at high speed. Friction heats them up, they burn up, and create the bright streaks of light we admire as shooting stars. The Leonids are known for their high speed – they are among the fastest meteor showers in the world!

When and how can you see the spectacle?

The highlight will be in the early morning hours of [Current Date], i.e., after midnight, expected. This is the best time to observe the magical light trails.

You don't need a telescope or binoculars – the Leonids are wonderfully visible to the naked eye! Here's what you should keep in mind to make the most of the experience:

1. Find a dark place: The further away you are from the light pollution of cities, the better. An unobstructed view of the sky without any trees or buildings is ideal.
2. Give your eyes time: It takes about 15-20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness. During this time, avoid bright light sources (including mobile phone screens!).
3. Look east / towards the lion: Although meteors can appear from anywhere in the sky, they seem to originate in the constellation Leo. Look in that direction to see the most.
4. Make yourself comfortable: A blanket, a deck chair, or simply a comfortable spot on the floor is invaluable, because watching shooting stars requires patience.
5. Dress warmly: Although the view is spectacular, it can get quite cold at night. Warm clothing is a must!

A look into the past

The Leonids are famous for their spectacular outbursts throughout history. While this year we can expect a "normal" number of about 10-15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, there have been true "meteor storms" in the past (e.g., 1833, 1966, or 2001), in which thousands of shooting stars per hour lit up the sky. This occurs when the Earth crosses particularly dense dust clouds from the comet.

A moment of wonder

Watching shooting stars in the night sky is more than just an astronomical observation. It's a moment of stillness, wonder, and connection with the universe. It reminds us how dynamic and full of wonder our cosmos is.

So, pack your warm clothes, maybe a thermos of tea and a good blanket. Find a cozy spot under the starry sky tonight and let the Leonids meteor shower enchant you. And don't forget: you can make a wish on every shooting star!

→Humanity sees the Milky Way with unprecedented clarity

We wish you a starry and unforgettable night!