What Is the Nov 11 Meteor Shower
The Nov 11 meteor shower refers to activity from the Leonid stream and other minor showers active in mid November. The Leonids, linked to Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, produce a broad peak window around November 11 to 17 each year with a long history of intense storms. NASA and the American Meteor Society track these events and publish annual forecasts based on orbital modeling of comet debris streams American Meteor Society.
In recent years the Leonids have produced modest rates of about 10 to 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, with occasional bursts during years when the comet is near perihelion. The 2023 and 2024 forecasts from major meteor organizations indicate normal activity levels for the mid November window with no major storm expected NASA.
Best Time and Conditions to Watch
The best viewing window for the Nov 11 meteor shower is typically the pre dawn hours when the radiant climbs highest in the sky. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere see the most meteors after local midnight, while southern observers can also catch activity from the southern radiant.
Dark sky conditions, low humidity, and a clear horizon toward the northeast improve visibility significantly. Light pollution maps from cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago show that rural areas outside major metro zones offer the darkest skies for meteor watching Forbes.
How to Observe and Record the Shower
To observe the Nov 11 meteor shower, find a safe dark location, let your eyes adapt for at least 20 minutes, and avoid using phones or bright screens. Use a reclining chair or blanket, dress warmly, and scan a wide area of the sky rather than staring at the radiant point.
Amateur astronomers and citizen scientists can submit counts and fireball reports through the American Meteor Society fireball portal and the IMO meteor log. These reports help refine annual forecasts and improve public alerts for future Leonid activity AMS Fireball Report.