Azerbaijan prepares for one of year’s most stunning meteor shows photo

Skywatchers in Baku and across Azerbaijan are in for a spectacular astronomical treat as the bright Leonid meteor stream lights up the night sky.

The press service of Baku State University (BSU) told Caliber.Az that the peak of this annual celestial show will occur overnight from November 17 to 18, with 15 to 20 meteors streaking across the sky per hour. The meteor shower will remain visible until November 30.

The Leonids are renowned among astronomers and stargazers for their breathtaking displays.

Named after the constellation Leo, these meteors originate from debris left behind by Comet Tempel-Tuttle. Every 33 years, as Earth passes through a dense cloud of recently ejected particles from the comet, the Leonids can erupt into a rare “meteor storm”, producing thousands of meteors per hour.

What makes the Leonids particularly mesmerising is their incredible speed: they blaze through the sky at about 71 kilometres per second, making them one of the fastest meteor streams visible from Earth. Their luminous trails linger in the sky, often glowing in shades of green, blue, and white, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle for anyone lucky enough to witness it.

For astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike, this year’s Leonid meteor shower promises a dazzling display and a chance to marvel at one of nature’s most impressive celestial phenomena.

By Tamilla Hasanova