Leonid Meteor Shower Peak (1966)
Astronomical eventAbout
The Leonid Meteor Shower of 1966 is renowned for producing one of the most spectacular meteor storms in recorded history. On the morning of November 17, 1966, observers in the southwest United States witnessed a phenomenal display, with rates reaching 40 to 50 meteors per second—equivalent to 2,400 to 3,000 meteors per minute—during a 15-minute period. This event was unparalleled, with meteors appearing to fall like rain, giving observers a vivid impression of Earth moving through space. The 1966 Leonid storm was associated with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which sheds debris that Earth encounters about every 33 years. The meteor storm was so intense that it was difficult to count the meteors, with some observers describing the sky as raining shooting stars. The display was visible across North America, with the best views reported from California and Arizona. This event remains one of the most memorable meteor storms in history, showcasing the awe-inspiring spectacle of celestial debris interacting with Earth's atmosphere.
