In Alaska, the Leonids are best around 6:26 AM on the night of the peak (November 17, 2026), when the radiant stands about 51° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 12 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:56 PM to 6:28 AM, and the moon will be 53% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
6:26 AM
local time
Est. rate
12/h
dark sky
Radiant
51° high
toward SSE
Moon
53%
down
Dark places to watch the Leonids in Alaska
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Denali State Park | State Park | 1 |
| Wood-Tikchik State Park | State Park | 1 |
| Kachemak Bay State Park | State Park | 1 |
| Afognak Island State Park | State Park | 1 |
| Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve | State Park | 1 |
| Chena River State Recreation Area | State Park | 1 |
| Tern Lake | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Gobblers Knob | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Hess Creek Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Copper River Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Leonids in Alaska?
Around 6:26 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.