The Orionid meteor shower arrives each year between the first weeks of October and November. During this meteoric window of activity, there is one night when the shower erupts with fireballs and shooting stars. The shower will peak next week and Express.co.uk explains how and where to see the shower.
What is the Orionid meteor shower?
Every year between October and November the Earth flies through the dusty tail of Comet 1P/Halley.
As the comet orbits the Sun, bits and pieces of its icy outer layers break off.
Our home planet then slams into this duty debris field at high speeds, creating beautiful streaks of light across the night skies.
Comet Halley itself only shows up once every 75 to 76 years, making the Orionids the closest chance to get a taste of the spectacle.
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When is the Orionid meteor shower peak next week?
Before the shower peaks in intensity, you might be able to spot one or two meteors crisscrossing across the sky.
Then, the Orionids will gradually intensify between the nights of October 16 to October 27.
After that, the meteor shower will peak on the night of October 21 to October 22.
During this peak, astronomers at the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London expect up to 25 meteors an hour to appear.
Where to see the Orionids meteor shower next week?
Orionids are incredibly fast meteors that favour the last few hours just before dawn.
“Bring along a blanket or lawn chair and lie back comfortably while gazing upward.”
Sources of light like lamps and cars can be distracting and brighter buildings risk washing out the night sky.
For the most optimal results, find a wide-open field in the dark where you can see the entire sky at once.
An unobstructed view of the horizon is ideal and remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
Once you secure the perfect spot, keep in mind the meteors will erupt from a point near the constellation Orion.
Ms Byrd said: “The meteors often don’t become visible until they are 30 degrees or so from their radiant point.
“And, remember, they are streaking out from the radiant in all directions. They will appear in all parts of the sky.
“However, if you do see a meteor – and trace its path backwards – you might see that it comes from the Club of Orion. And, if so, that meteor will be an Orionid.
“You might know Orion’s bright, ruddy star Betelgeuse. The radiant is north of Betelgeuse.”