The Orionids, one of two major meteor showers caused by remnants from Halley’s comet, will peak with the arrival of a new moon, providing an excellent opportunity to see shooting stars without interference from moonlight.
During Tuesday morning’s peak, expect to see up to 20 meteors per hour in ideal viewing conditions, said Thaddeus LaCoursiere, planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota. Viewing will last until November 7.
“Weather permitting, it will be a great show,” LaCoursiere added.
Halley’s comet passes near Earth approximately every 75 years. Debris left by the comet leads to two major meteor showers every year. “Sometimes the Orionids leave trains, these bright lingering streaks in the sky,” LaCoursiere explained.
### What is a Meteor Shower?
As the Earth orbits the sun, several times a year it passes through debris left by passing comets and sometimes asteroids. The source of the Orionids is debris from Halley’s comet. When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, the debris encounters resistance from the air, causing it to become very hot and eventually burn up.
Sometimes, the surrounding air briefly glows, leaving behind a fiery tail – the end of a “shooting star.”
You don’t need any special equipment to see meteor showers that flash across the sky annually. Just find a spot away from city lights for the best view.
### How to View a Meteor Shower
The best time to watch a meteor shower is typically after midnight or in the early pre-dawn hours, when there is usually less interference from moonlight.
Competing sources of light like a bright moon or artificial light from the ground are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon is at its smallest or waning provide optimal viewing opportunities.
And don’t forget to keep looking up, not down. Your eyes will adapt better to spotting shooting stars if you aren’t distracted by checking your phone.
### When is the Next Meteor Shower?
The next major meteor shower, the Southern Taurids, is expected to peak early on November 5, although the moon will be full then, which may impact viewing conditions.
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*The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.*
https://www.clickorlando.com/tech/2025/10/17/how-to-watch-the-orionid-meteor-shower-debris-of-halleys-comet/
