Leonid Meteor Shower of 1833 Inspires Alabama’s Iconic “Stars Fell On” Legacy
The spectacular Leonid meteor display of November 1833 lit up Alabama, later inspiring songs and a state license-plate slogan.
In mid-November 1833, the Leonid meteor shower produced a dramatic sky show over Alabama that entered folklore. Musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong helped popularize a song about the event. From 2002 to 2008 the state’s vehicle plates bore the phrase “Stars Fell On,” replacing the older “Heart of Dixie.” A historic photograph shows Piedmont, Alabama, in 1967, illustrating the lasting local connection.
Why it matters
It shows how a historic meteor shower left a lasting cultural imprint on Alabama’s identity and arts.
In this story
leonid meteor showerstars fell onAlabamaElla FitzgeraldLouis Armstronglicense platesPiedmont