Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week: Essential Viewing Tips

Sky-gazers around the world are in for a stunning celestial spectacle this week, as the Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak. According to EarthSky, the shower is expected to produce bright trails of light in the night sky, with the peak occurring at 20:00 ET on October 23, 2023.

The Orionids are known for occasionally generating fireballs, but they do not have a sharp peak. Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, advises that those unable to view the meteors on the peak night should not lose hope. “If you happen to get clouded out on that night, don’t despair,” Lunsford said. “Head on out the next night, next couple nights even, and you’ll see almost the same activity.”

This year, the timing of the Orionids coincides with a new moon, meaning the dark side of the moon will be facing Earth. As a result, the bright meteors will not compete with moonlight, allowing for optimal visibility. Under clear conditions, observers can expect to see between 10 to 20 meteors per hour. Most of these meteors are fleeting, with most lasting only a fraction of a second. According to Lunsford, the brighter meteors can leave behind persistent smoke trails after they have disappeared.

In addition to the Orionids, stargazers may be fortunate enough to witness the Southern Taurids, which are also active and expected to peak on November 4-5, coinciding with a full moon. Lunsford described the dynamic between the two meteor showers: “It’s kind of like they’re doing battle. Slow meteors are shooting eastward toward Orion, and fast ones are shooting westward toward Taurus.”

For optimal viewing of the Orionid meteor shower, Lunsford recommends looking toward the southern sky. The best times for observation are around 22:00 on the peak night or between 04:00 and 05:00 the following morning in local time.

The origin of the Orionid meteor shower lies in the debris left behind by the comet 1P/Halley. According to NASA, Halley’s comet crosses Earth’s orbit twice, entering it in October and creating the Orionids. It exits in early May, leading to the Eta Aquariid meteor shower. Halley’s comet was last visible from Earth in 1986 and has an orbital period of approximately 76 years, with expectations for its next appearance in 2061.

For those interested in future celestial events, the American Meteor Society and EarthSky provide information on upcoming meteor showers and supermoons throughout the year. As the night sky continues to captivate and inspire, this week’s Orionid meteor shower promises to be a highlight for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.