The Orionid meteor shower is a yearly treat for the UK’s stargazers as one of the most beautiful celestial events.
The picturesque shooting stars comprise debris from the iconic Halley’s Comet, visible from Earth only once every 75 to 76 years. Halley’s Comet was last seen in 1986, so we won’t see it again until mid-2061.
Luckily, the Orionids can be spotted every October as the Earth intercepts a path of Halley’s debris trail. This travels around the sun in a retrograde orbit (the opposite direction to how the Earth orbits the sun).
Royal Museums Greenwich’s website says the cometary debris enters our planet’s atmosphere at about 41 miles per second.
The Orionids are one of the more well-known meteor showers and can be seen worldwide. They get their name because the meteors appear to originate from a point in the sky near the constellation Orion.
So how and when can you see this spectacular sight for yourself?
When will the Orionid meteor shower be visible in the UK?
The meteors are visible between October 2 and November 7. However, they will be most visible during their peak, which falls between midnight and dawn on October 21 and 22.
If you’re in a prime spot, you might be lucky enough to see about 10 to 20 meteors an hour during peak hours. If you don’t have time that evening, don’t fret. The meteors should be visible (to a varying degree) in the days before and after.
Where can I see the Orionid meteor show in the UK?
The beauty of the Orionids is that they can be seen from across the sky.
However, the conditions where you set up to spot them are essential. Ideally, you want to be away from sources of light pollution including streetlights and in a large open space where you can see as much of the sky as possible. Think green spaces such as Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park.
What’s the best way to see the Orionid meteor shower in the UK?
When it comes to watching meteor showers, success is quite often down to luck. While there’s not much we can do if the sky is cloudy or the moon is out (the light can make meteors harder to spot), wrapping up warm, taking a friend and most importantly, remaining patient, is key.
The BBC’s Sky at Night magazine website has more detailed information here.
