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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Lorna Hughes & Jacob Rawley

Orionid meteor shower to peak later this week - when and how to see it

Stargazers should keep an eye out for the Orionid meteor shower which is due to peak this week.

The Orionids are the particles that disintegrate as they fall into the planet's atmosphere, creating bright streaks across the sky every October.

The light show is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, which was last seen in 1986 and will next be visible in 2061.

When will the Orionid meteor shower peak?

The meteor shower - which began at the end of September - will peak from October 21 until October 22.

If weather conditions remain clear in Scotland, astronomy enthusiasts may be able to take in the iconic sights.

The best time to view will be between midnight and sunrise on the morning of Friday, October 12 and at the same time on October 22.

NASA Science says the shower usually produces 20 or so meteors per hour, zipping through the sky at 41 miles per second.

How to see Orionid meteor shower

Scots should find an area well away from street lights and lying flat on your back with your feet facing south east.

Once your eyes begin to adapt to the darkness and you should be able to see the meteors - but be patient.

If you miss your chance to see the meteor shower at its peak all is not lost - the meteor shower will still be active, albeit at a reduced rate, until around November 7.

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