One of the most amazing meteor showers, the Orionids, is set to peak soon, and the conditions are perfect for viewing. On the night of October 21, you could see up to 20 meteors per hour. This year’s new Moon will provide a dark sky, making it even easier to spot these shooting stars.
The Orionids come every October, born from debris shed by Halley’s Comet. As Earth travels through this comet’s trail, tiny particles enter our atmosphere, creating the bright streaks of light we see at night. The best time to watch is after midnight when the radiant, or origin point, is high in the sky. Look towards Orion for the best view.
Even though the Orionids aren’t the most active meteor shower—like the Quadrantids in January, which can produce up to 200 meteors per hour—they are known for their brightness. These meteors travel at about 66 kilometers (or 44 miles) per second. When they hit our atmosphere, the friction generates intense heat, making them glow brilliantly as they burn up.
Interestingly, past reactions to meteor showers often trend on social media. People share their experiences and excitement, sometimes capturing their own images or videos. This sense of community adds to the joy of watching the night sky.
The Orionids display lasts until mid-November, so even if you miss the peak, you can still catch some meteors in the following weeks. Grab a blanket, head outside, and enjoy this celestial show.
For detailed info on local meteor sightings, you can visit Time and Date’s Orionids page.
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