Every November brings a spectacular show to night sky enthusiasts - meteor shower LeonidsThis year the shower will appear from November 6 to 30, 2025, with the peak activity will occur on November 17Leonids are among the most famous and studied meteor showers. They are caused by the periodic comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun once every 33 to 34 years and leaves new dust particles in space with each return. When Earth intersects this dust stream annually, rapidly moving meteors appear in the atmosphere - known as 'falling stars'.
The width of the Leonid stream perpendicular to the direction of meteor movement is approximately 4 million kilometers, with half of all meteors of the shower appearing within a single day around the peak. This concentration causes the Leonids to be classified among the more prominent November showers. In 2025, during the peak, you can expect about 15 meteors per hour, with observing conditions will be very favorable - The Moon will be only three days before the new moon, and therefore will not interfere with fainter meteors with its light.
Leonids are also known for their high speed - approximately 71 km/s. This speed causes most meteors to be very bright and often leave behind short-lived trails, which give the night sky a dramatic effect. The shower is also associated with several historical events. During the night from November 12 to 13, 1833 the legendary 'Leonid storm', when up to 35,000 meteors per hour - an event that has gone down in history as the beginning of modern meteoric astronomy. Huge meteor storms followed in the years 1965,1997a1999, with increased frequencies usually also occurring two years before and after these maxima. According to forecasts, another significant activity of the Leonids is expected around the year 2032.
Observing Leonids does not require any special equipment - just find dark place away from local lighting, sit comfortably and arm yourself with patience. Most meteors can be seen in the early morning hours, when the radiant of the swarm - the constellation Leo - is above the horizon.
However, Leonids are not just a visual experience for astronomers and observers. During their activity period, the shower is also used by radio amateurs on VHF bands. When meteoroids hit the atmosphere, short-term ionized tracks are formed, which make it possible meteor scatter (MS) connections at distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometers. This form of propagation has become popular mainly thanks to software WSJT by Joe Taylor, with the mode often used today MEnglish144.
The most suitable times for MS connections during the Leonids period are as follows:
SW - NE: 01:00 - 05:00 UT
E - W: 04:00 - 07:00 UT
SE - NW: 06:00 - 09:00 UT
S - N: 23:00 - 03:00 and 07:00 - 11:00 UT
Year 2025 offers a great opportunity not only for lovers of the starry sky but also for radio amateurs. We wish you clear skies, good luck observing the Leonids and many successful meteor scatter connections!