Eyes to the skies – the annual Orionid meteor shower is likely to be at its dazzling best this week. The stunning celestial display is produced by debris from Halley’s Comet.
Earth crosses the comet’s orbit every October and Orionids are the particles that disintegrate as they fall into the planet’s atmosphere, creating bright streaks across the sky. NASA Science says the shower usually produces 20 or so meteors per hour, zipping through the sky at 41 miles per second.
The Orionid meteor shower began at the end of September, with the peak from October 21-22. The best time to view will be between midnight and sunrise on the morning of Friday, October 12 and at the same time on October 22.
NASA suggests finding an area well away from street lights and lying flat on your back with your feet facing south east. It says your eyes should begin to adapt to the darkness and you should be able to see the meteors – but be patient.
If you miss your chance to see the meteor shower at its peak all is not lost – the meteor shower will still be active, albeit at a reduced rate, until around November 7. Last seen in 1986, Halley’s Comet itself will next be visible in 2061.
Eyes to the skies – the annual Orionid meteor shower is likely to be at its dazzling best this week. The stunning celestial display is produced by debris from Halley’s Comet.
Earth crosses the comet’s orbit every October and Orionids are the particles that disintegrate as they fall into the planet’s atmosphere, creating bright streaks across the sky. NASA Science says the shower usually produces 20 or so meteors per hour, zipping through the sky at 41 miles per second.
The Orionid meteor shower began at the end of September, with the peak from October 21-22. The best time to view will be between midnight and sunrise on the morning of Friday, October 12 and at the same time on October 22.
NASA suggests finding an area well away from street lights and lying flat on your back with your feet facing south east. It says your eyes should begin to adapt to the darkness and you should be able to see the meteors – but be patient.
If you miss your chance to see the meteor shower at its peak all is not lost – the meteor shower will still be active, albeit at a reduced rate, until around November 7. Last seen in 1986, Halley’s Comet itself will next be visible in 2061.
