TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Skywatchers in Taiwan can look forward to the annual Leonids meteor shower reaching its peak Monday night, with the Taipei Astronomical Museum estimating around 15 meteors visible per hour.

The Leonids, a relatively small but fast-moving meteor shower, occur every year. They are known for meteors traveling at an average speed of 70 kilometers per second, one of the fastest among meteor showers, according to CNA.

With the moon in its waning crescent phase, light interference will be minimal, providing ideal viewing conditions. For the best viewing experience, the museum recommends starting after 11:30 p.m. from locations with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the northeastern horizon.

The museum explained that the meteors originate from debris along the orbit of comet Tempel-Tuttle, which has an approximate 33-year orbital period. Occasionally, the shower produces meteor storms, where observers may see thousands or even tens of thousands of meteors over a short span of time.

The comet’s next perihelion, or closest approach to the Sun, is expected in 2031, setting the stage for potentially spectacular meteor outbursts. Even outside these rare peaks, the Leonids have a history of surprising observers: in 2009, the shower produced about 500 meteors per hour.