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Maine Night Sky Alert: Strange Flashes May Increase by Nov. 17
Portland, ME — Something unusual could become more noticeable in the night sky over Maine as Nov. 17 approaches. Sudden flashes, fast moving lights and even brilliant fireballs may catch residents off
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-11-09T11:09:23.118Z
Portland, ME — Something unusual could become more noticeable in the night sky over Maine as Nov. 17 approaches. Sudden flashes, fast moving lights and even brilliant fireballs may catch residents off guard, sometimes appearing for only seconds before vanishing into the darkness.
With drones, aircraft and unfamiliar lights already drawing attention to the skies nationwide, the coming nights could give Mainers another reason to wonder exactly what they're seeing overhead.
According to EarthSky , Earth is currently passing through a stream of ancient cosmic debris responsible for the annual Leonid meteor shower. Activity is expected to build toward its predicted peak Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Why More Unusual Flashes Could Appear Unlike drones or aircraft, these lights can appear without warning, race across the sky and disappear almost instantly.
The phenomenon occurs when particles left behind by Comet Tempel Tuttle enter Earth's atmosphere at approximately 44 miles per second.
Most create brief streaks of light, but occasionally brighter meteors, known as fireballs, produce especially dramatic displays.
Near the peak, observers under ideal dark skies could witness 10 to 15 meteors per hour , although actual sightings depend on weather and viewing conditions.
When Maine Residents Should Look Up The Leonids remain active through Dec. 2, but the most promising viewing windows are expected before dawn Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18.
A first quarter moon setting around midnight should provide darker skies during those critical hours.
Residents across Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor and surrounding communities may improve their chances by finding darker locations away from city lights.
Maine's rural landscapes and relatively dark skies could provide excellent viewing opportunities wherever clouds stay away.
The Leonids have produced extraordinary meteor storms in 1833 and 1966, although no comparable event is predicted this year.
So if an unexpected light suddenly races across Maine's night sky, it may not be a drone or aircraft.
It could be a tiny fragment of ancient comet debris making a brilliant final journey through Earth's atmosphere.
And with activity building toward its peak, the chances of witnessing one of those fleeting flashes are expected to improve.