Every November, one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers lights up the night sky — the Leonids. Whether you're an experienced astrophotographer or simply someone who loves looking up, the Leonids offer a genuine opportunity to witness something extraordinary. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of it.
What is the Leonids meteor shower?
The Leonids meteor shower is an annual display of shooting stars — meteors that are actually leftover debris from a comet called 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which takes 33 years to complete a full orbit around the sun. As Earth passes through the trail of debris left by the comet each November, the particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the streaks of light we see as meteors.
The shower is visible throughout November, but typically peaks around the 17th, when rates can reach 10–15 meteors per hour under dark skies. In exceptional years — known as meteor storms — the Leonids can produce hundreds or even thousands of meteors per hour, though these events are rare and tied to the comet's 33-year cycle.
How did the Leonids get their name?
The Leonids take their name from the constellation Leo, which is the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to radiate — known as the radiant point. Looking toward Leo will give you the best view, though meteors can appear anywhere across the sky.
How to see the Leonids from Australia
The Northern Hemisphere gets the most favourable view of the Leonids, as Leo rises higher in the northern sky. However, the shower is still very much visible from Australia — you'll just need to look toward the northern horizon after midnight, when Leo rises high enough to give you a good view.
Here are some tips for getting the best possible view:
- Get away from city lights. Light pollution is the biggest enemy of meteor watching. Drive at least 30–60 minutes from the city to find genuinely dark skies — the difference is dramatic.
- Arrive early and let your eyes adjust. It takes around 20–30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark. Avoid looking at your phone screen during this time.
- Lie flat and look up. A reclining chair or a blanket on the ground lets you take in as much of the sky as possible without straining your neck.
- Rug up. November nights in Australia can be cold, especially away from the city. Bring warm layers, a thermos, and something comfortable to lie on.
- Be patient. Meteors come in bursts — you might see several in quick succession, then nothing for a few minutes. Give yourself at least an hour.
Photographing the Leonids meteor shower
The Leonids are a fantastic subject for astrophotography. Capturing a meteor on camera requires some preparation, but the results can be stunning. Here's what you'll need:
- A camera with manual controls. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal. You'll need to be able to set a long exposure, wide aperture, and high ISO manually.
- A wide-angle lens. A wide-angle lens (14–24mm) maximises the area of sky you're capturing, increasing your chances of catching a meteor in frame.
- A sturdy tripod. Essential for long exposures — any camera movement will ruin the shot.
- A remote shutter release. Minimises camera shake when triggering the shutter.
Recommended camera settings to start with:
- Aperture: f/2.8 or as wide as your lens allows
- ISO: 1600–3200 (adjust based on light pollution levels)
- Shutter speed: 15–25 seconds
- Focus: manual, set to infinity
- Shoot in RAW for maximum editing flexibility
For a full walkthrough of night sky photography, read our Beginner's Guide to Astrophotography and our Long Exposure Tips for Astrophotography.
Gear for watching and photographing the Leonids
You don't need expensive equipment to enjoy the Leonids — the naked eye is perfectly capable of seeing meteors. But the right gear can significantly enhance the experience:
- Binoculars are great for scanning the sky and picking out fainter meteors. Read our guide to choosing the best binoculars for stargazing to find the right pair.
- A telescope is less suited to meteor watching (the field of view is too narrow to track fast-moving meteors) but is excellent for exploring the night sky before and after the shower. See our Ultimate Guide to Telescope Buying for Beginners if you're considering your first scope.
- A camera and wide-angle lens are all you need to start capturing meteor trails. Browse our range of cameras and lenses online, or visit a Ted's Cameras store for personalised advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Leonids meteor shower?
The Leonids are active throughout November each year, with the peak typically occurring around November 17th. The exact peak date can vary slightly from year to year, so it's worth checking a current astronomy calendar closer to the time for the most accurate prediction.
How many meteors can I expect to see?
Under dark skies at peak, you can typically expect to see 10–15 meteors per hour. In exceptional years — known as Leonid storms — rates can be dramatically higher, but these are rare events tied to the 33-year orbit of comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Light pollution will significantly reduce the number of meteors visible from suburban or urban locations.
Do I need a telescope to watch the Leonids?
No — the naked eye is actually the best tool for watching meteor showers. Telescopes have too narrow a field of view to track fast-moving meteors effectively. Binoculars can be useful for scanning the sky, but for the shower itself, simply lying back and looking up with your eyes is the most effective approach.
What direction should I look to see the Leonids from Australia?
Look toward the northern horizon after midnight, when the constellation Leo rises. The meteors will appear to radiate from this point, but can streak across any part of the sky — so take in as wide a view as possible rather than staring at a single spot.
What camera settings should I use to photograph meteors?
Start with a wide-angle lens at its widest aperture (f/2.8 or wider), ISO 1600–3200, and a shutter speed of 15–25 seconds. Set your focus to manual and dial it to infinity. Shoot in RAW for the most editing flexibility. Use a tripod and remote shutter release to eliminate camera shake. Read our Beginner's Guide to Astrophotography for a full walkthrough.