Want to See 20 Meteors an Hour? Here’s How and When to Watch

Stargazers are in for a treat as the Orionid meteor shower, one of the most reliable and beautiful celestial displays of the year, reaches its peak tonight. If you’re hoping to catch a “shooting star,” tonight is your best chance to see this spectacular event, which is famous for its bright, fast-moving meteors.

The Orionid meteor shower is active throughout October, but the peak activity happens on the night of Tuesday, October 21st, into the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, October 22nd. During this window, viewers can expect to see approximately 15 to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

What makes the Orionids special is their origin. These meteors are actually tiny fragments of dust and debris left behind by one of the most famous comets in history: Halley’s Comet. As Earth passes through this trail of cosmic dust, the particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the brilliant streaks of light we see from the ground. For more amazing stories from the world of science and entertainment, check out our latest features.

How to Get the Best View

You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the Orionids, but a little preparation can make a big difference.

1. Escape the City Lights: The most important factor is finding a location with as little light pollution as possible. A rural area, a large park, or a designated dark-sky site will offer the best views.
2. Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust: Step outside about 20-30 minutes before you plan to seriously watch. This allows your eyes to adapt to the darkness, making it easier to spot the fainter meteors.
3. Get Comfortable and Look Up: The best way to watch is to lie on a blanket or in a reclining chair. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Orion (hence the name “Orionids”), but they can streak across any part of the sky, so a wide-open view is best.
4. Be Patient: Meteor watching is a game of patience. Give yourself at least an hour to watch. The best viewing time is typically after midnight and before the first light of dawn.

Verified Outbound Link: For more in-depth information about this and other celestial events, visit NASA’s official science page.