Halley's Comet meteor shower: Halley's Comet meteor shower begins: Here's how to get the best view of the Orionids | Date and time

As a bright comet approaches Earth, another celestial event is set to light up the night sky. This week marks the start of the annual Orionid meteor shower, an astronomical spectacle associated with one of the most famous celestial bodies in the solar system: Halley's Comet.

Starting September 26, stargazers can prepare for a captivating meteor display, as this meteor shower will last from September 26 until November 22, 2024, according to a report by Forbes.

Peak night for the show

The Orionids meteor shower will peak from Sunday night, October 20, into the early hours of Monday, October 21, according to a report from Forbes. While viewers can watch the shower on any clear night for its entire duration, the peak night provides the most promising conditions for observing these celestial phenomena.

According to the American Meteor Society, Orionids are classified as moderately intense meteor showers, and typically produce about 20 meteors per hour during peak times. However, in some years, the number can rise to between 50 and 75 meteors per hour.

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This year, your viewing experience may be somewhat hindered by the waning gibbous moon, which will rise before midnight and remain visible throughout the night. To improve viewing conditions, enthusiasts are encouraged to look for meteors as soon as darkness falls. For those looking to plan their viewing schedule around the moon phases, using a moonrise and sunset calculator can be helpful.

The cosmic connection of Halley's Comet

The Orionid meteor shower is created from debris and dust left in the inner solar system by Halley's Comet (1P/Halley), which last passed by us in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061.

Halley's Comet is currently located in the constellation Hydra, and leaves behind tiny fragments that burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating a dazzling display known as a shooting star, which moves at an astonishing speed of about 41 miles per second.

While Orionids derive their name from their radiant point in the constellation Orion, they can also be seen across the entire sky. It is worth noting that Halley's Comet is responsible for twice annual meteor showers: Orionids in October and Eta Aquaridians in May.

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View tips for stargazers

To get the perfect view of Orion, here are several tips from NASA:

Escape urban light pollution: Look for locations away from city lights, preferably in the International Dark Sky Park to enhance visibility.

Choose an unobstructed view: Select a spot with a clear line of sight to the night sky, and avoid any obstructions like trees or buildings.

Avoid telescopes and binoculars: Using these tools can reduce the likelihood of spotting meteors, as they restrict your field of view.

– Reduce exposure to white light: Refrain from looking at your mobile phone or other bright screens, as this may impair your night vision. Instead, choose red light to preserve your ability to see in the dark.

Dress appropriately: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, so be sure to dress warmly to stay comfortable while observing.

Be patient: It is recommended to watch for at least half an hour to increase the chances of seeing the shooting star. A reclining chair or floor pillow can enhance comfort while you wait.

FAQ:

What is the orionid meteor shower?
The long-awaited Orionids meteor shower is one of the most famous meteor showers on the annual calendar, and can be seen from all over the world.

Where to look to see the orionid meteor shower?
According to NASA instructions, one should not focus only on the Orion constellation to view the Orionids. In fact, Orionids are best viewed at a 45 to 90 degree angle away from the radiation.