Orionid meteor shower 2023: When and where to watch Halley's Comet's trail of fire at its peak
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Orionid meteor shower, a dazzling celestial display, is going to grace our night skies soon. If you're a stargazer and happen to be outside before dawn, you might catch a glimpse of a "shooting star."
These meteors are essentially part of the debris from the famous Halley's Comet. Here's everything you need to know about the Orionid meteor shower.
When did the Orionid meteor shower start?
In the third week of October, we reach the peak of the Orionid meteor shower, a celestial display created by the debris from Halley's Comet.
As early autumn arrives, the Orion constellation, usually associated with winter, graces our skies, reaching its zenith in the south-southeast during the pre-dawn hours.
When is the Orionid meteor shower at its peak?
The Orionid meteor shower spans from October 16 to 26, with the peak anticipated on the morning of October 22, showcasing around 15 to 20 meteors per hour.
To witness this celestial spectacle, step outside before sunrise during these dates, and there's a 75% chance that you'll spot a meteor linked to Halley's Comet.
The final Orionid stragglers usually appear in early to mid-November.
The best viewing time is from 1 or 2 a.m. at the first light of dawn, around 5:45 a.m., when Orion is highest in the southern sky.
The Orionids are a rare meteor shower visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Typically, these meteors are faint and best observed from rural areas due to urban light pollution.
Known for their remarkable speed, Orionid meteors race through the sky at 66 kilometers (41 miles) per second, slightly faster than the Eta Aquarids in May.
Brighter Orionid meteors frequently create enduring trails, and occasionally, fireballs can be observed up to three days after the peak. This phenomenon is undoubtedly linked to the composition of Halley's Comet.
Where can you watch the Orionid meteor shower?
For the best experience, head to a safe rural location, away from urban lights, as Orionid meteors are usually dim and not well seen in urban areas.
To observe them at their brightest, find a spot where Orion is high in the sky.
The Orionids are one of the few meteor showers visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
When is the next meteor shower in 2023?
In 2023, the Orionid meteor shower is a stunning celestial event, but it's only one of several meteor showers happening throughout the year, each with its distinct qualities and origins in the cosmos.
This meteor shower acts as a mesmerizing testament to the celestial ballet occurring overhead, as Earth encounters the remnants of the Halley's Comet.