The Orionid meteor shower that captivates sky-watchers for two months will reach its peak this weekend. Originating in the debris of Halley’s comet, the shower began on the 2nd of October and will end on the 7th of November. Being one of the most well-known comets in history, as debris falls off Halley’s comet in orbit around the Sun, it generates trails of dust and ice debris. These remain in the atmosphere and form the fireballs of light seen during the meteor shower. Despite gracing the skies for two months, the event will peak on Saturday, potentially providing viewers with the most awe-inspiring view of the shower.
As the particle debris enters the Earth’s atmosphere at a velocity of around 41 miles (66km) per second, it burns up from friction with the air, which results in streaks of light across the sky. The Orionid meteor shower holds a special place in the annual roster of celestial events. If you failed to catch the Halley’s comet, the Orionid meteor shower provides a compensatory opportunity, noted Dr Minjae Kim, who is a physicist at the University of Warwick.
Meteor showers have spatial names related to the star constellation from which the meteors appear to originate. The Orionid shower exudes from the Orion region. Sky-watchers can catch sight of the shower across the globe, but it will be better viewed in clearer skies in dark, remote areas, with fewer streetlights and buildings. The shower can be seen with the naked eye, and it is advised to wait a few seconds to adjust to your surroundings in the dark.
The best chance to view the Orionid meteor shower is between midnight and sunrise on Saturday 21 October. The shower will be visible from both southern and northern hemispheres but be better seen in clear skies. The debris exhibit a random pattern in flight and time, so observing the shower may be a waiting game taking snacks and drinks with you could be helpful. For those who cannot view the show this weekend, the weather permitting, the ‘maximum’ phase of the shower lasts until the 28th of October
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