The 2018 Leonid Meteor Shower is Coming – Are You Ready to Make a Wish?

The 2018 Leonid Meteor Shower: A Celestial Spectacle

November 14, 2018 – While countless meteors streak across our sky each year, most go unnoticed, let alone form a dazzling meteor shower. Fortunately, as Earth’s inhabitants, we’re granted one spectacular annual opportunity to witness the breathtaking Leonid Meteor Shower, which arrives with remarkable punctuality. If you’ve been yearning to make a heartfelt wish or express your love under the stars, mark your calendar: the 2018 Leonid Meteor Shower will grace our skies in just three days.

Origins of the Leonids

The Leonid Meteor Shower originates from the debris trail of Comet Tempel-Tuttle. Its name derives from the radiant point—the area in the sky where meteors appear to originate—located within the constellation Leo. Discovered on December 19, 1865, by German astronomer Ernst Tempel, this comet orbits the Sun every 33 years, earning its reputation as the “King of Meteor Showers.” Every November 17–18, Earth intersects Tempel-Tuttle’s orbital path, creating the prime window for observing this celestial event.

When and Where to Watch

According to the International Meteor Organization (IMO), the 2018 Leonid peak is expected around 5:00 AM Beijing Time on November 18. Under clear skies, sporadic meteors may be visible starting the evening of November 17. At its zenith, the shower will illuminate nearly the entire sky, with a slight concentration toward the northeast.

The “King of Meteor Showers”

The Leonids earned their regal title due to rare but unforgettable meteor storms, where thousands of meteors cascade like celestial fireworks. The most legendary display occurred on November 13, 1833, when an estimated 240,000 meteors lit up Boston’s skies for nine hours—a true cosmic masterpiece.

What to Expect in 2018

This year’s shower won’t match that historic intensity. Experts predict up to 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Urban stargazers might spot only one or two, so escaping city lights is crucial for the full experience. For those determined to make a wish under the stars, a trip to the countryside will be well worth the effort.

(Source: ALENG)