Orionid meteor shower to peak this week, offering up to 20 meteors an hour
Known for their speed and brightness, Orionid meteors sometimes leave glowing trails that remain visible for several seconds.
The Orionid meteor shower, one of the two major annual meteor showers produced by debris from Halley's comet, is set to reach its peak this week, although a bright moon may hinder visibility until it sets late at night.
The shower is expected to peak from Wednesday (21 October) night into Thursday (22 October) morning, with up to 20 meteors an hour visible under ideal viewing conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. The meteors can also be seen for several weeks before and after the peak.
The Orionids are visible in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, particularly after midnight. Although the shower takes its name from the Orion constellation, its meteors can appear across the night sky, according to NASA.
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Known for their speed and brightness, Orionid meteors sometimes leave glowing trails that remain visible for several seconds.
What causes a meteor shower?
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through trails of debris left behind by comets and, occasionally, asteroids as it orbits the Sun several times a year.
The Orionids originate from Halley's comet, which passes near Earth approximately once every 75 years.
When pieces of debris enter Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, friction with the air heats them until they burn up. The process can cause the surrounding air to glow briefly, creating the streak of light commonly known as a shooting star.
No special equipment is needed to observe a meteor shower. However, choosing a location away from city lights and other sources of light pollution can significantly improve visibility.
How to watch the Orionids
The best time to observe the shower is generally after midnight and during the early hours before dawn, when viewing conditions are often more favourable.
Moonlight and artificial lighting can make faint meteors difficult to spot. Clear skies and a darker environment offer the best chance of seeing the celestial display.
Observers should also allow several minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness and be patient while watching the sky.
When is the next meteor shower?
The next major meteor shower, the Southern Taurids, is expected to peak on 5 November.
A crescent moon is forecast for the peak, which could provide more favourable viewing conditions than those expected during the Orionid shower.
