The Orionid meteor shower will reach its peak, and several streaks of meteors may be visible.
According to the American Meteor Society, the Orionid meteor shower is active from October 2nd to November 7th every year. This year’s peak will occur in the early morning hours of October 21st to 23rd. The Orionid meteor shower is known for its brightness and speed, with each meteor capable of shooting up to speeds of up to 148,000 miles per hour.
According to EarthSky.org, the Orionid meteor shower should produce at least 20 meteors per hour in a dark, moonless sky. And the new moon on October 21 guarantees clear skies without lunar interference early in the morning.
When and where to see the Orionid meteor shower in the sky
From October 21st to 23rd, keep an eye out for the Orionid meteor shower from early morning after 1 a.m. until dawn.
Of course, weather permitting, you can enjoy views of the meteor shower from anywhere in the United States, but it’s best to find an open space where you can look up. According to EarthSky.org, the best time to see rain showers is under dark, moonless skies.
Don’t see the graphic? Click here to view it.
The Orionid meteor shower is named after the constellation Orion because they appear to originate or radiate from the same region of the sky.
Path of Orionid meteor shower near Earth
According to NASA, the Orionid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular of the year, reaching its peak in mid-October.
Where do Orionid meteors come from?
According to Timeanddate.com, Halley’s Comet produces two meteor showers, the first of which is the Eta Aquarids, which occurs every May. Another meteor shower is the Orionid meteor shower.
Most meteor showers are named after constellations, stars, and even asteroids.
Contributed by Doyle Rice, Zoe Wells
Source EarthSky.org, NASA, American Meteor Society, USA TODAY research
Part of the story was previously published on October 18, 2024.
This story has been updated to correct a spelling error.
