Best Viewing Time
The peak of the Orionid meteor shower is expected overnight on October 20 through October 21. While you can view the meteors on any night during this period, the peak will offer the best opportunity to witness a larger number of shooting stars. According to the American Meteor Society, viewers can expect about 20 meteors per hour at peak time, with some years seeing an increase to as many as 75 meteors per hour.
However, a waning gibbous moon will rise before midnight on the peak night, making it more challenging to see the meteors. Viewers are advised to look for shooting stars as soon as it gets dark to avoid the moon’s brightness.
The Science Behind the Orionids
The Orionids are caused by particles from Halley’s Comet, a well-known cosmic body that last passed through the inner solar system in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061. The debris from this comet continues to circulate the inner solar system and burns up when it enters Earth’s atmosphere at around 41 miles per second, creating the meteor shower.
The meteor shower gets its name from the constellation Orion, where the meteors appear to originate. However, these shooting stars can be seen across any part of the night sky.
Tips for Meteor Viewing
NASA offers practical advice for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Orionids:➤ Travel away from urban light pollution, preferably to an International Dark Sky Park.
➤ Ensure an unobstructed view of the night sky.
➤ Dress warmly, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly.
➤ Allow at least 30 minutes of observation time for the best chance to see meteors.
➤ Avoid using telescopes or binoculars, as these reduce your chances of seeing the meteors.
➤ Limit phone use and any exposure to white light, as this can impair night vision.
While Halley’s Comet won’t be visible until 2061, the Orionid meteor shower offers an annual reminder of this cosmic snowball’s impact on our sky.