Look up! Orionids meteor shower to begin this weekend, lasting into November
The Orionids are known for very speedy meteors that travel 41 mps.
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One of the most beautiful meteor showers of the year will grace our skies late this weekend - the Orionids!
The Orionids are known for very speedy meteors that travel at 41 mps. This is almost as fast as the Leonids, which occur next month and are some of the fastest. This shower is called the Orionids, because they appear to radiate from a part of the sky near the constellation Orion. They are created when Earth travels through debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.
Halley’s Comet is perhaps the most famous comet and was discovered by Edmond Halley, an English astronomer in 1758. It has a long history and has been sighted for millennia. The last time the comet swung by Earth was back in 1986. The next time it passes by will be in 2061. Fun fact – Halley’s Comet produces two meteor showers, this one and the Eta Aquarids in the spring.
If conditions are right, the peak average is around 15 meteors per hour but up to 20-30 are possible. Perfect viewing conditions would be needed, of course, with no light pollution and without a moon. The moon was full on Oct. 17, so by Oct. 20 and Oct. 21, it will be a waning gibbous. The weather this year looks great for the peak. If by some chance you aren’t able to view them Sunday night, no worries, this shower runs into November.
If you are planning on viewing, first check the weather forecast with the News 12 Storm Watch Team, then pick your location. Try to find the darkest patch of sky you can find away from city lights. You don’t have to look towards Orion to see them, meteors can appear almost anywhere. NASA recommends trying to look about 45 to 90 degrees away from the actual radiant point. The streaks they leave behind will appear longer.
The best viewing time will be after midnight when Orion is highest in the sky. If you are going out to view, dress warmly and bring some blankets or chairs.
The peak of the shower and the best time to view them will be late Sunday night, Oct. 20 into the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 21.
