The Orionid meteor shower starts each year in the first week of October and carries through until the first week of November. During this lengthy period of activity, individual fireballs and shooting stars can be seen streaking across the night sky. But the real fireworks will unfold on the night of the shower’s peak when the number of meteors visible throughout the night will skyrocket. Read on below to learn more about the annual meteor shower and when to best see it.
What are the Orionid meteors? Where do they come from?
Orionids are the orbital debris and dust left behind in the trail of Comet 1P/Halley.
As the large icy rock flies around the solar system, bits and pieces of its outer layers fall off.
Then, between October and November, the Earth dashes through this dusty orbital trail.
The comet’s debris hits the atmosphere at speeds of around 41km per second and disintegrates into bright streaks of light.
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When is the Orionid meteor shower this year?
According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London, the Orionids are active between October 2 and November 7.
The number of meteors visible each night during this window will intensify as Earth approaches Comet Halley’s orbit.
The Observatory said the shower is best seen on the nights between October 16 and October 27.
The meteor shower’s peak will unfold over the nights of October 21 to October 22.
During the peak, the Observatory said up to 25 meteors will burst our every hour.
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What is the best time to see the Orionid meteor shower?
Meteor showers are typically best seen between midnight and dawn local time.
Astronomer Deborah Byrd of EarthSky.org said: “In 2019, on the peak mornings, the Moon will be at or shortly past its last quarter phase, somewhat interfering with the show.
“The Orionids usually put out the greatest number of meteors in the few hours before dawn.”
The presence of bright sources of light like the Moon can hinder the viewing the experience.
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To better see the meteor shower, astronomers advise finding a secluded and quiet spot away from buildings, lamps and cars.
A cosy field with an unobstructed view of the horizon will work a charm.
Ms Byrd said: “Even one meteor can be a thrill. But you might want to observe for an hour or more, and in that case the trick is to find a place to observe in the country.
“Bring along a blanket or lawn chair and lie comfortably while gazing upward.”
Just remember to give your eyes time to adjust to the dark – about 20 minutes.