The Orionid meteor shower is an exciting annual event, and in 2024, the peak is expected on October 20 at 18:14 UTC. If you’re planning to watch, the best times are the early mornings of October 20 and 21, from after midnight until just before dawn.
Key Dates and Times
- Peak Viewing: October 20 and 21, just after midnight until dawn.
- Duration: September 26 to November 22.
- Moon Interference: Unfortunately, the moon will be a waning gibbous during the peak, which may make the meteors harder to see. Try positioning yourself so the moon is blocked from view.
What to Expect
On a good night, under dark skies with no moon interference, you might see between 10 to 20 meteors per hour. These meteors are known to be fast, and some may leave glowing trails that last a few seconds. Occasionally, a bright fireball might light up the sky.
Where Do They Come From?
The Orionids come from debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, one of the most famous comets in history. This comet orbits the sun about every 76 years, and as it passes, it leaves behind dust and small particles. These particles hit Earth’s atmosphere in October, creating the Orionid meteor shower. We also encounter its debris in May, which causes the Eta Aquariid meteor shower.
What Makes the Orionids Special?
- Speed: Orionid meteors travel at about 41 miles per second (66 km/s), making them some of the fastest meteors.
- Trails: Many leave behind glowing ionized gas trails, known as persistent trains, which can last a few seconds after the meteor has disappeared.
- Bright Meteors: Occasionally, a meteor will be exceptionally bright and may even break up into fragments.
Where to Look in the Sky
The Orionid meteors appear to come from the constellation Orion, which rises in the east after midnight. You don’t need to focus on Orion to see the meteors—they can appear in any part of the sky. But if you trace the path of a meteor backward, you might find it originated near Orion’s famous star, Betelgeuse.
Tips for Viewing
- Find a wide-open area with minimal light pollution.
- You don’t need to look in a specific direction, as the meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.
- If you’re watching with friends, spread out and face different directions for the best chance of spotting meteors.
The 2024 Orionid meteor shower will peak on the mornings of October 20 and 21, though a bright moon may make it harder to see. Even so, this annual event is a great opportunity to witness fragments of Halley’s Comet streak across the sky. Happy meteor watching!