ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Orionids meteor shower, which comes from Halley’s comet, is about to peak. With a new moon on the horizon, it’s a great time to catch shooting stars without much moonlight interference.
On Tuesday morning, you might see up to 20 meteors each hour if the sky is clear, according to Thaddeus LaCoursiere, the planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul. The shower will be visible until November 7.
LaCoursiere notes, “Weather permitting, it will be a great show.” Each time Halley’s comet swings by Earth—roughly every 75 years—it leaves behind dust and debris, causing the meteors we see during the Orionids.
Sometimes, these meteors create bright streaks in the sky. “Sometimes the Orionids leave trains,” LaCoursiere added, describing those glowing trails that linger for a moment.
What Are Meteor Showers?
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris from comets or asteroids. For the Orionids, that debris comes from Halley’s comet. As these tiny rocks hit our atmosphere, they heat up and burn, often appearing as shooting stars.
Good news: you don’t need fancy gear to enjoy them. Just find a dark place, away from city lights.
How to Watch
The best time to view meteor showers is usually after midnight or in the early morning hours. That’s when the sky is darker and there’s less halo from the moon.
Bright lights can make it hard to spot meteors, so go somewhere with a clear, dark sky. Don’t forget to let your eyes adjust—keep looking up instead of checking your phone.
Upcoming Meteor Showers
If you miss the Orionids, the Southern Taurids will peak early on November 5. However, they may be less impressive due to a bright full moon.
According to recent studies, the average person spends about 11 hours per day in front of screens, which could make it harder to spot these celestial events. So, remember to step away from screens and enjoy the beauty of the night sky!
For more details about celestial events, you can check the American Meteor Society for updates and tips on viewing meteor showers.
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