The Orionid meteor shower is set to make a spectacular appearance this week, reaching its peak on Monday evening. Skywatchers across the globe can look forward to witnessing bright trails of light as the meteors streak through the night sky. According to EarthSky, the peak will occur around 8 PM ET on Monday.
The Orionids are known for their occasional fireballs, but they do not have a distinct peak. Robert Lunsford, the fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, advises that if clouds obstruct the view on the main night, observers should not lose hope. “Head on out the next night, next couple nights even, and you”ll see almost the same activity,” he stated.
This year, the meteor shower coincides with a new moon, meaning that the dark side of the moon will be facing Earth. This absence of moonlight allows for better visibility of the meteors. Under clear skies, observers can expect to see between 10 to 20 meteors each hour. Lunsford noted that while most meteors are fleeting, the brighter ones can leave behind persistent smoke trails that linger after they vanish.
For those eager to catch more than just the Orionids, the Southern Taurids will also be active, peaking around November 4-5 during a full moon. The Orionids emanate from the Orion constellation, while the slower Taurids originate from the constellation Taurus. “It”s kind of like they”re doing battle,” Lunsford commented, describing how the slower meteors travel eastward toward Orion, while the faster ones move westward toward Taurus.
For optimal viewing conditions, Lunsford recommends looking toward the southern sky around 10 PM on Monday night or between 4 to 5 AM the following morning, according to local time.
The Orionid meteor shower occurs as Earth traverses the trail of debris left behind by Halley”s Comet. Lunsford explained that Halley”s Comet crosses Earth”s orbit twice—entering in October and causing the Orionids, and exiting in early May, which leads to the Eta Aquariid shower. The last sighting of Halley”s Comet from Earth was in 1986, and its orbit spans approximately 76 years, with the next return expected in 2061.
Additionally, for astronomy enthusiasts, several other meteor showers are anticipated in the upcoming months, each offering unique viewing opportunities.
