Stargazers hoping to catch the Leonid meteor shower this weekend may face a challenge from the nearly full supermoon. The celestial event, expected to peak on Sunday, is likely to be outshone by the moon’s brightness, limiting visibility to only the most prominent meteors.
Why It Matters: Meteor showers like the Leonids offer a rare chance to witness nature’s light show without any special equipment. But with the supermoon nearly full, the experience might fall short of its usual magic for many viewers.
🌠 What’s Happening:
The Leonids are known for their impressive speed—meteors can reach 44 miles per second—and usually produce up to 15 visible meteors per hour under perfect conditions.
• Peak viewing: Sunday, with a 98% full moon
• Best viewing time: Predawn hours when the moon is lower
🌙 Viewing Tips: Your best chance to catch the Leonids is during the early morning hours, away from city lights, when the moon has dipped lower in the sky. Skipping phone use will also help your eyes adjust to the dark, boosting the chances of spotting the brighter meteors.
📅 Looking Ahead: Can’t catch the Leonids? Another chance comes soon. The Geminid meteor shower, one of the most active annual showers, is set to peak in mid-December, with conditions expected to be better for stargazers.
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B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist with 25-years experience in journalism. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is the publisher of The Georgia Sun and a fifth-generation Georgian.
