Attention, sky enthusiasts! The much-anticipated annual Leonid meteor shower is just around the corner, and it's your chance to witness one of the most breathtaking celestial displays of the year. Mark your calendars: from November 3 to December 2, stargazers across Kamloops and the Okanagan will have the perfect opportunity to catch this phenomenal event, with the peak dazzling display happening on November 18.

NASA classifies the Leonid meteor shower as a significant astronomical spectacle, offering on average about 15 meteors per hour. What makes these meteors stand out? They are known for their bright, colorful streaks and incredible speed, hurtling through the atmosphere at approximately 71 kilometers per second. Among the many stunning sights, watch out for fireballs—these are notably bright explosions of light—as well as Earth-grazer meteors that skim the horizon, leaving behind lengthy, shimmering trails.

One of the most extraordinary features of the Leonid meteor shower is its history of meteor storms. About every 33 years, depending on your location, you might be lucky enough to see hundreds of thousands of meteors shooting across the night sky in a frenzy of cosmic activity.

The Leonids originate from the debris of the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. As our planet passes through this cloud of dust and particles, the remnants ignite in a fiery blaze upon entering Earth's atmosphere, resulting in that breathtaking meteor shower we all love.

For optimal viewing, venture to a spot far from the glare of city lights, ideally after midnight. Unfortunately, this year, the stunning show might have some stiff competition from the waning moon, which could hinder visibility during the peak on November 18.

And here’s the kicker: sky watchers in the Thompson-Okanagan region might encounter disappointing weather, with Environment Canada predicting a mix of clouds and rain leading up to November 12. Will the weather cooperate, or will it cloud our chances of witnessing this meteor marvel?

Stay tuned, prepare your cameras, and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies. This is a celestial event you won't want to miss! Who knows, you may even capture the next stunning photo of a blazing meteor streaking across the heavens!