Space
Washington Sky Alert: Strange Flashes May Increase by Nov. 17
Olympia, WA — Strange flashes, fast moving streaks and occasional brilliant fireballs could become more noticeable in Washington's night sky as Tuesday, Nov. 17, approaches. Some may appear suddenly a
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-11-09T12:16:29.627Z
Olympia, WA — Strange flashes, fast moving streaks and occasional brilliant fireballs could become more noticeable in Washington's night sky as Tuesday, Nov. 17, approaches. Some may appear suddenly and disappear within seconds, leaving observers wondering what crossed overhead.
According to EarthSky , the annual Leonid meteor shower is underway, with activity building toward its predicted peak Monday afternoon, Nov. 16, Pacific time. The display occurs as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Tempel Tuttle.
Why Strange Flashes Could Appear With drones, aircraft and unfamiliar lights attracting attention, the Leonids offer another possible explanation for brief flashes in the sky.
Unlike aircraft or drones, meteors can streak across large portions of the sky in seconds before disappearing.
Leonid particles enter Earth's atmosphere at approximately 44 miles per second , producing bright streaks as they burn up. Occasionally, brighter meteors create dramatic flashes known as fireballs.
Under ideal dark sky conditions, observers could see 10 to 15 meteors per hour near the shower's peak. Actual sightings will depend on clouds, artificial lighting and visibility.
When Washington Residents Should Look Up The best viewing opportunities are expected between midnight and dawn Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18.
A first quarter moon is expected to set around midnight, allowing darker skies during the early morning hours.
Residents in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, Everett and surrounding communities should seek open areas away from city lights.
Washington's eastern Columbia Basin, Okanogan Highlands and remote areas east of the Cascade Mountains may provide favorable viewing conditions when skies are clear. Western Washington residents should pay particular attention to cloud cover, which can limit visibility during November.
The Leonids have produced spectacular meteor storms in 1833 and 1966, but no comparable storm is predicted for 2026 .
The shower remains active through Dec. 2.
For Washington residents who spot an unexpected streak of light next week, the explanation could be something far older than modern aircraft: a tiny fragment of comet debris making its final journey through Earth's atmosphere