You could see up to 15 meteors an hour during shower that peaks this week. What to know

You could see up to 15 meteors an hour during a meteor shower that peaks this week.

The Leonids meteor shower is expected to peak during the morning on Nov. 17, EarthSky reported. It has “some of the fastest meteors out there,” according to NASA.

“The Leonids are bright meteors and can also be colorful,” NASA said on its website. “They are also fast: Leonids travel at speeds of 44 miles (71 kilometers) per second.”

During some years, a meteor storm can happen that brings 1,000 meteors per hour, NASA said. It last happened in 2002.

This year, however, a storm isn’t expected. That probably won’t happen again until 2099, according to AccuWeather.

Skywatchers can expect to see between 10 and 15 meteors every hour, the news outlet reported.

The Leonids shower can bring fireballs, according to NASA. The meteors could also have long and colorful tails that come close to the horizon.

“In 2021, the moon is in a waxing gibbous phase. It will hang around most the night, brightening the sky and washing out many of the meteors,” EarthSky reported. “Try watching from a rural, dark sky location for best results.”

The best chance of seeing meteors zoom by is to find an area away from city or street lights and lie flat on your back, NASA said.

“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors,” NASA said. “Be patient — the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.”