The Orionid meteor shower is expected to peak the night of October 21 through before dawn on October 22 - and the crescent Moon will set early in the evening, leaving the sky open for great skywatching. Outside of this peak period you may still be able to spot a few Orionids between October 2 through November 7.
As with observing any meteor shower, get to a dark spot, get comfortable, bring blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky.
As with observing any meteor shower, get to a dark spot, get comfortable, bring blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky.
The Orionids are so named as they seem to originate, or radiate, from near the famous constellation Orion. However, they will appear to streak across the entire sky. Their origin is thought to be from the dusty remnants of the tail of the famed Comet Halley! They are also very fast meteors; you may see that many leave "trails" behind as they burn up in our atmosphere.
Find out more Perseid observing tips for this year courtesy EarthSky and on JPL's What's Up for October 2022 stargazing video. The Night Sky Network has a handout that you may find useful for your meteor watching party: Heads Up: It's a Meteor Shower Handout!
aImage of the radiant of the Orionid meteor shower, courtesy EarthSky
Date: Friday, October 21, 2022