Orionid meteor shower to peak this week

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

The Orionid meteor shower, caused by debris from Halley's comet, will peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

The Orionid meteor shower, one of two major meteor showers caused by debris from Halley's comet, will peak this week. During the peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning, observers in ideal viewing conditions may see up to 20 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society. Meteors remain visible for several weeks before and after the peak.

The Orionids are viewable in both the northern and southern hemispheres after midnight. While named after the Orion constellation, they are visible across the entire night sky. The meteors can be especially bright and fast, leaving glowing trains that persist for several seconds. A large moon will reduce visibility until after it sets late at night.

No special equipment is needed to observe the shower, but viewers should seek locations far from city lights and light pollution. The best viewing time is typically after midnight or in the early predawn hours, when moonlight interference is minimal. The Orionids originate from debris shed by Halley's comet, which passes near Earth every 75 years. When debris enters Earth's atmosphere at high speed, friction causes it to heat intensely and burn up, creating the visible 'shooting stars'.

How it is being reported

• The Orionid meteor shower is coming. Here's how and when to watchThe Orionid meteor shower, caused by remnants from Halley’s comet, peaks this week.Clickorlando · 20 Oct, 16:47
• The Orionid meteor shower is coming. Here's how and when to watchThe Orionid meteor shower, caused by remnants from Halley’s comet, peaks this week.News4Jax · 20 Oct, 16:47

In this story: Orionids · Halley's comet · Orion · American Meteor Society · NASA

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