This week the Orionid meteor shower peaks, offering a good show as the moon sets early, leaving dark skies ideal for spotting up to 20 meteors per hour.
01Summary
- 01The Orionids peak around Oct. 21-22 each year.
- 02Best viewing is after 2 a.m. local time, when Orion is well above the horizon.
- 03The waxing gibbous moon sets shortly after 2 a.m., giving about 3½ hours of dark sky.
- 04Observers may see 15-20 meteors per hour under clear, dark skies.
- 05The meteors originate from debris left by Halley's Comet.
02Why it matters
With the moon not interfering this year, you have a rare window to see a reliable meteor shower without bright moonlight, especially if you can find a dark rural spot.
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