Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks Amid Bright Moonlight Challenge
The annual Orionid meteor shower, originating from Halley's Comet, is expected to peak this weekend, but a waning gibbous moon may hinder visibility.
- The Orionid meteor shower will reach its peak on the nights of October 20 and 21, offering the best viewing opportunities after midnight until dawn.
- Stargazers can expect to see 10 to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, although the brightness of the moon may obscure many of the fainter meteors.
- The Orionids are known for their speed and brightness, entering Earth's atmosphere at approximately 41 miles per second, often leaving persistent trains.
- To improve viewing chances, observers are advised to find dark locations away from city lights and allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 30 minutes.
- The Orionid meteor shower is one of two annual meteor showers caused by debris from Halley's Comet, with the other being the Eta Aquarids in May.