The Leonids are a meteor shower associated with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. When Earth passes through the dust left along its orbit, the dust enters the atmosphere and produces the streaks of light known as shooting stars.
The International Meteor Organization’s 2026 calendar forecasts a zenithal hourly rate of around 15 meteors. This figure assumes ideal conditions; it does not guarantee how many shooting stars an observer will see from the Île-de-France region.
The peak is expected at around 12:45 a.m. on the night of Tuesday, November 17 into Wednesday, November 18, according to Journal de l'Astronomie. The good news this year is that the Moon, at first quarter, sets around midnight. The second half of the night, as Leo rises in the sky, will therefore unfold against a very dark sky until dawn.
To spot them, choose a clear sky away from city lights. The radiant is in the constellation Leo, but the trails can appear anywhere in the sky, so it’s best to keep a wide field of view rather than focus on a single point.
Viewing conditions matter just as much as the swarm’s activity. A location with little light pollution makes it easier to watch with the naked eye.
If you're up before dawn, take the opportunity to look for Mars and Jupiter: from November 14 to 18, the two planets make a lovely colorful duo in the morning sky. The following week, the November 24 supermoon takes center stage, as our 2026 skywatching calendar reminds us.
The astronomical calendar continues with the Geminids, another meteor shower to watch.
The best spots to admire shooting stars and the sky in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Numerous shooting star nights punctuate the year, as do astronomical events, which can be admired weather permitting, in places with less pollution. But where can you find these rare gems in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From November 17, 2026 to November 18, 2026
Official website
www.imo.net
The best spots to admire shooting stars and the sky in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
