Stargazers are gearing up for the peak of what NASA describes as “one of the most beautiful showers of the year”.
Stray meteors have been visible since the start of the month, but the Orionids will peak in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday.
NASA said this year’s display might not be as active as previous years but you can still expect to see about 15 meteors per hour.
Jane Houston Jones, from the space agency, said: “The Orionids peak on October 20, a dark, moonless night. Look near Orion’s club in the hours before dawn and you may see up to 10 to 15 meteors per hour.
What time is the Orionid Meteor Shower in the USA?
The Orionids will start filling the sky from about midnight in the USA, though the best time to watch the show is in the darkest hours before the dawn.
The shower is visible to the naked eye are so there is no need to use a telescope.
“It’s best to just kick back, look up and pay attention to as much of the sky as you can,” Patrick Young, an associate professor at Arizona State University told AZ Central.
As with all meteor showers, The Orionids are best viewed in a rural location away from any light pollution.
Americans are advised to travel to national parks away from towns and cities for the most breathtaking views.
Fortunately, there will be no moon in the sky tonight, so the shower will appear even brighter than usual.
Skies will be clearest in eastern parts of the US, while wildfires and clouds risk obstructing the view in the northwest, according to Accuweather.
The weather map below highlights which states will have the best visibility.
What are the Orionids?
The Orionids are meteors that originate from the debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.
Also known as Comet 1P/Halley, Halley’s Comet zooms past the Earth every 75 years but we collide with its debris twice annually.
The comet was last seen in 1986 and you can also see pieces of it during the annual Eta Aquarids in May.
The Orionids get their name because they radiate from Orion the Hunter, so stargazers should focus their attention on this constellation to boost their chances of seeing more meteors.