Leonid meteor shower to peak across UK skies this weekend - how to see it from London

Veronique Hawksworth & Nina Massey PA Science Correspondent
·2-min read
Perseid meteor shower
-Credit: (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)


This weekend, the Leonid meteor shower is set to dazzle stargazers, sending shooting stars streaking across the night sky. The Leonids – one of the more prolific annual displays – are usually fast, bright meteors and are associated with Comet Tempel-Tuttle.

A tiny path of debris is left by the comet as it follows its path around the Sun and this enters Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per second, vaporising and causing the streaks of light we call meteors. Expected to peak on the night of Sunday - November 17 - into the early hours of Monday, there will be up to 10 meteors an hour flashing across the sky.

The Leonids are named as such because they appear to stream from the head of the constellation Leo the Lion. A clear sky and the darkest possible conditions – away from artificial light – will create the best possible conditions for catching a glimpse of the display.

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Experts say no specialist equipment is needed to see the display as it will be visible to the naked eye. Shyam Balaji, researcher in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King’s College London, said: "To look for the Leonids, choose a spot away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Leo, which rises in the east around midnight."

He continued: "However, meteors can be seen all across the sky. Since the meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Leo, this is how the shower gets its name. This is where you should look. Bring a reclining chair, sleeping bag or blanket. Lie flat on your back with your feet pointing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible."

Don't be disappointed if you're stuck in the city this weekend - it may still be possible to view the Leonid shower from London. Greenwich Observatory astronomy expert Jessica Lee explained: "It's a bit more faint and there's more of an element of chance because you have to be looking up at just the right time, but you can see meteor showers from cities. If you can go somewhere darker like a park or a back garden and let your eyes adjust to the darkness you have more of a chance than if you're just looking up on your way home."

As the meteor shower will be peaking in the South East of the sky, some of the best spots in London to catch a glimpse will be:

  • Primrose Hill

  • One Tree Hill Park

  • Shooters Hill

  • Greenwich Park

Those who miss the peak of the shower will still have opportunities to catch the celestial display, as it will continue for several days afterwards.

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