Keep your eyes on the sky this month for a chance to witness a few meteors. This meteor is special, as it is created by one of the most famous comets.
The Orionid meteor shower is an annual event, and 2024 is the perfect time to observe it. It has been visible for weeks and is approaching its peak brightness.
You don’t require any special equipment to view the Orionid meteor shower, but there are some important details to know. Below, we will provide more information on when and how you can see them, along with their intriguing origins.
When will the Orionid meteor shower occur in 2024?
The Orionid meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of October 21-22, 2024. While the shower has been active since October 2nd, it will be most visible during its peak.
The peak of this event is expected around 7am BST (1am CT) on October 22nd.
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This period of the year when meteors are at their brightest is the optimal time to witness such events. If you can’t make it during those two days, you may still catch a few visible days on either side.
How can I observe the Orionid meteor shower?
Unfortunately, the Orionid meteor shower is not always easy to see, like most cosmic events. However, heading to remote locations with minimal light pollution can enhance your viewing experience. This allows for a clearer sky and potentially easier visibility of the meteor shower.
Thankfully, the Orionid meteor shower can be seen with the naked eye, eliminating the need for binoculars or a telescope. Simply grab a comfortable chair and a warm drink while you await the event.
Where to look for the Orionids meteor shower
The Orionid meteor shower appears to originate from the constellation Orion, which is not surprising. To locate Orion in the sky, look for the Hunter’s Belt, a constellation of three bright stars in close proximity and nearly in a straight line. An additional two stars make up the hunter’s legs, while another two form his shoulders.
Just below Orion’s belt, you will spot a fuzzy spot known as the Orion Nebula, an ideal location to witness the event. However, meteors should be visible throughout the sky, not just in that direction. If this seems challenging, consider using an astronomy app to pinpoint your exact location in the sky.
What is the Orionids meteor shower?
The Orionids meteor shower is unique as the debris you see is from Halley’s Comet 1P/Halley, also called Halley’s Comet. This comet passes near Earth roughly every 75 years, so this is a great annual opportunity to witness it.
Named after British astronomer Edmund Halley, who studied reports of a comet passing by Earth in the previous year, Halley’s Comet orbits the sun and sheds tiny pieces. These pieces enter Earth’s atmosphere at an incredible speed of 61 miles per second, evaporating due to air friction and creating the luminous streaks seen in meteors.
Where is Halley’s Comet now?
Although pinpointing Halley’s Comet’s exact location is challenging, it is currently estimated to be in the constellation Hydra, about 1,350 light years (6 trillion miles) from Earth. The comet will reappear in the night sky in the summer of 2061.
What can I expect from the shower?
Under ideal conditions, the Orionids produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, known for their swift and luminous display. These meteors leave long, glowing trails in the sky, offering a captivating spectacle. For the best viewing experience, aim for October 21st or 22nd.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
