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New Hampshire Night Sky: Mysterious Flashes Possible Nov. 16-18
Concord, NH — Something unusual could become more noticeable in the night sky over New Hampshire as Nov. 17 approaches. Sudden flashes, fast moving streaks and even brilliant fireballs may catch resid
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-11-09T11:10:07.833Z
Concord, NH — Something unusual could become more noticeable in the night sky over New Hampshire as Nov. 17 approaches. Sudden flashes, fast moving streaks and even brilliant fireballs may catch residents off guard, appearing for only seconds before disappearing into the darkness.
With drones, aircraft and unfamiliar lights drawing attention to skies nationwide, the coming nights could give New Hampshire residents another reason to wonder exactly what they're seeing overhead.
According to EarthSky , Earth is 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 produce brief streaks of light, but occasionally brighter meteors, known as fireballs, create 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, visibility and light pollution.
When New Hampshire 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 leave darker skies during those important viewing hours.
Residents across Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth and surrounding communities may improve their chances by finding locations away from city lights.
The White Mountains and other rural areas of New Hampshire could offer particularly favorable viewing conditions wherever skies remain clear.
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 New Hampshire'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.