Catch the Spectacular Meteor Shower of 2025: NASA Says It’s One of the Most Stunning—Viewable Nationwide!

An incredible celestial event is coming soon, and there’s still time to catch it! The annual Orionid meteor shower is about to light up the sky. This shower occurs as the Earth passes through debris left by Halley’s Comet, which was last seen in 1986. NASA notes that Orionid meteors are fast and bright, often leaving trails that last several seconds. They’re known for being one of the most stunning meteor showers of the year.

The shower peaks in late October, and this year, the viewing conditions should be especially good. The moon will be in a new phase, making the sky darker and allowing the meteors to shine brighter on October 21.

The name of the shower comes from the constellation Orion. To see the meteors, look towards the southeastern horizon in the Northern Hemisphere and the northwest horizon in the Southern Hemisphere. For the best view, aim about 40 degrees above the radiant after letting your eyes adjust to the darkness for around 30 minutes.

Viewing the Orionids is possible for most of the world, but people in the Northern Hemisphere might have the best experience. With clearer fall skies, the visibility will be better compared to summer showers like the Perseids.

You can catch the Orionids from October 2 to November 12. The peak activity is expected between October 20 and 21, with as many as 20 to 30 shooting stars visible per hour in perfect viewing conditions. The best time to watch is from midnight to dawn.

For the best experience, find a dark sky area free of light pollution. The U.S. features some phenomenal viewing spots, especially in western national parks like Joshua Tree and Crater Lake. Meanwhile, the East Coast boasts great locations like Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania and Acadia National Park in Maine.

Also, while you’re enjoying the Orionids, you might get a glimpse of Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon). This green comet, discovered in January 2025, will be closest to Earth around the same time as the meteor shower. Experts suggest it won’t be visible again until the year 3421, making this a must-see event!

So, get ready for this celestial double feature! Whether you’re at home or exploring the great outdoors, mark your calendar to witness this breathtaking spectacle.

For more details on viewing opportunities, check out NASA’s site here.

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