There’s plenty of time for planning ahead to see the Orionid meteor shower coming up this fall.
The Orionid meteors originate from the famous Halley’s Comet.
“Each time that Halley returns to the inner solar system its nucleus sheds ice and rocky dust into space,” NASA stated on its website. “The dust grains eventually become the Orionids in October and the Eta Aquarids in May if they collide with Earth’s atmosphere.”
Want to see the meteor shower?
Here’s when it is, and how to see it.
When is the Orionid meteor shower?
The shower will run from Oct. 2, 2025 to Nov. 12, 2025.
When is the peak of the shower when the most meteors can be seen?
It will be on the night of Oct. 22-23, 2025, according to the American Meteor Society.
How many meteors do the Orionids produce?
In past years, certain Orionid meteor showers have produced 50-75 meteors per hour that can be seen with the naked eye.
That amount of meteors is in line with the number of them seen during the annual Perseid meteor shower, which recently occurred.
How can the Orionids be seen?
The best time to see these meteors is during the hours after midnight, according to NASA, adding it is best to find an area away from lights. Areas such as nature preserves or hilly terrains might be good spots.
“Lie flat on your back with your feet facing southeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or northeast,” the NASA website states.
No telescopes are required to see the Orionids. NASA noted it will take less than 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust before you can start seeing meteors, adding viewers should look for “prolonged explosions of light.”
You’ll be able to see about 23 meteors per hour, according to NASA.
Dust and debris from Halley’s Comet make up the Orionid meteor shower, which will occur this October.
Why are these meteors called ‘Orionids?’
The meteor shower is named after the constellation it appears closest to.
“The point in the sky from which the Orionids appear to come is the constellation, Orion,” NASA stated, adding that this point is called the “radiant.” NASA explained that people looking for the meteors shouldn’t be looking toward Orion when they are gazing skyward, as the meteors are visible throughout the night sky.
What is Halley’s Comet?
It’s a comet we see on Earth every 76 years, and it was last seen in the skies back in 1986. The next time it is slated to be seen is in 2061.
The comet was discovered by Edmond Halley in 1705, and he was the one who predicted the comet would return in the future.
He was correct. And the comet was named after him.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Want to watch the Orionid meteor shower? Here’s when you can see it