The Orionid meteor shower, a celestial event tied to Halley’s Comet, will peak this year from Sunday night into Monday morning. Skygazers can expect to see 10 to 20 meteors per hour during this peak time, with the best viewing occurring after midnight, according to the American Meteor Society.
The meteors originate from the debris trail of Halley’s Comet, which is currently at the farthest point in its orbit from the sun since December 2023.These debris particles burn up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, creating the meteors seen in the sky.
Robert Lunsford, the fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, explained, as quoted by CNN, “The Orionids have a kind of flat peak — a plateau of activity. So if it’s cloudy on that particular peak night, the night after should be very close to the same activity you would see before.”
The Orionids will be visible in all parts of the world except Antarctica, where the sun does not currently set. They remain active until November 22.
As October progresses, the waning hunter’s moon will improve meteor visibility. Lunsford advised, “Try observing meteors in the opposite direction from the moon to avoid its reflected light, which could hinder visibility of faint particles.”
Halley’s Comet’s debris trail affects Earth twice a year, with the first occurrence in May causing the Eta Aquariids and the second in October leading to the Orionids. Larger particles from these trails can generate bright fireballs, according to Nasa.
For optimal viewing, Nasa recommends sitting outside for up to 30 minutes beforehand to let the eyes adjust to the darkness. Viewing at higher altitudes can also enhance visibility, as there will be less moonlight scatter.
The next significant celestial events include Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, visible until early November, and the two remaining full moons for 2024 — the Beaver Moon on November 15 and the Cold Moon on December 15.
Further meteor shower activity is expected to round out the year, with key dates including the Southern Taurids on November 4-5, the Northern Taurids on November 11-12, the Leonids on November 17-18, the Geminids on December 13-14, and the Ursids on December 21-22.