Meteor Showers Over Alamogordo: November to December 2026
Published 25 October 2026
Three meteor showers peak over Alamogordo between now and mid December 2026. The Northern Taurids peak the night of November 11 to 12 with almost no moonlight, the Leonids peak November 16 to 17 and are best after the moon sets around 11:20 p.m., and the Geminids, usually the strongest shower of the year, peak December 13 to 14 with the moon gone by about 9:10 p.m.
Our dark desert sky is one of my favorite things about living here, and none of this costs a thing. Grab a blanket and a thermos and give one of these nights a try.
When are the meteor showers over Alamogordo this fall?
These dates come from the American Meteor Society's 2026 meteor shower calendar. I worked out the moonset times for Alamogordo myself, so treat them as close estimates.
| Shower | Peak night | Moon at peak | Moon sets about | Best viewing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Taurids | Wed, Nov. 11 into Thu, Nov. 12 | 4% lit | 6:40 p.m. | All night, darkest after about 6:30 p.m. |
| Leonids | Mon, Nov. 16 into Tue, Nov. 17 | 39% lit | 11:20 p.m. | Midnight to about 5 a.m. |
| Geminids | Sun, Dec. 13 into Mon, Dec. 14 | 15% lit | 9:10 p.m. | About 9:30 p.m. until dawn |
All times are Mountain Standard Time. Remember that daylight saving time ends November 1, so these are on the new clock. My daylight saving time post has the details.
What are the Northern Taurids?
The Northern Taurids are a slow, steady shower that runs from October 20 to December 10. They do not produce a lot of meteors, but the American Meteor Society notes they sometimes bring a notable increase in fireballs, the big bright ones that make you gasp.
This year the timing is lovely. The moon is only 4% lit on peak night and sets right after dark, so the whole night is dark. It is a good one for families, since you do not have to stay up late.
When should I watch the Leonids?
The Leonids are active November 6 to 30 and peak the night of Monday, November 16, into Tuesday, November 17. The moon is 39% lit and sets around 11:20 p.m., and the shower's radiant, in the constellation Leo, rises at about the same time. That makes the hours from midnight until about 5 a.m. the best window.
The Leonids are famous for meteor storms in 1833, 1866, 1966, 1999, 2001 and 2002. The American Meteor Society says Earth will not meet a dense debris cloud again until 2099, so expect a modest show this year, not a storm.
Why are the Geminids worth waiting for?
The Geminids are usually the strongest meteor shower of the year, active December 4 to 17 and peaking the night of Sunday, December 13, into Monday, December 14. The American Meteor Society says they are the one major shower with good activity before midnight, and the meteors are often bright and colorful.
The moon is only 15% lit and sets around 9:10 p.m., so you can start watching around 9:30 p.m. and keep going until the sky brightens. It will be cold in December, so dress warmly.
Where can I watch near Alamogordo?
The darker the spot, the more you will see.
- Your own yard. Turn off porch lights, sit on the side of the house away from streetlights, and give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust.
- The edge of town. Neighborhoods on the outskirts, in La Luz or out toward Tularosa usually have darker skies than the middle of town.
- Somewhere safe and legal. If you drive out of town, stay on public land where you are allowed to be after dark, and pull well off the road.
You do not need a telescope or binoculars. Lie back, look at a wide patch of sky, and be patient. Put your phone away, because the bright screen resets your night vision.
If you love the desert at night, the ranger-led White Sands Moonlight Hike on November 24 is another great way to enjoy it. I also wrote up the Orionid meteor shower earlier this month.
What do dark skies mean for people moving to Alamogordo?
Dark skies are one of those everyday perks you do not find in a big city. Lots of homes here, especially on larger lots or at the edge of town, have backyards where you can see the Milky Way on a clear night.
If stargazing is on your wish list, tell me when we start looking. We can focus on homes with a good view of the sky and less light around them. My moving to Alamogordo guide covers the rest of daily life here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next meteor shower in Alamogordo?
The Northern Taurids peak the night of November 11 to 12, 2026, followed by the Leonids on November 16 to 17. The Geminids, usually the year's best shower, peak December 13 to 14.
What time should I watch the Leonids from Alamogordo?
The moon sets around 11:20 p.m. on November 16, so the best window is from midnight until about 5 a.m. on November 17. That is also when the shower's radiant is up.
Is the moon a problem for the Geminids in 2026?
Not much. The moon is only 15% lit and sets around 9:10 p.m., so most of the night is dark.
Do I need a telescope to see meteors?
No. Meteors move fast across the whole sky, so your eyes work best.
Where is a good place to watch meteors near Alamogordo?
Any safe spot away from streetlights and porch lights works, including your own backyard. Homes on the edge of town and in nearby La Luz or Tularosa usually have darker skies.
Meteor shower dates, activity periods and moon illumination are from the American Meteor Society's 2026 meteor shower calendar, checked 25 October 2026. Moonset and dark sky times are my own estimates for Alamogordo in Mountain Standard Time.