Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle of the nine-to-five and the slogs of daily life, it’s easy to forget that planet Earth is just a tiny speck in an enormous galaxy. But from meteor showers to the northern lights, every now and then the Milky Way delivers some stunning sights to remind us of our place in the cosmos.
And the next one of these will be the Orionid meteor shower. This shower has been active since October 2 but this weekend is when we get to see it zoom across the sky in its full glory. Prepare to be patient and make sure you wrap up extremely well. Here’s everything you need to know about catching a glimpse of the Orionid meteor shower this week.
What is the Orionid meteor shower?
It’s one of the most reliable and well-known meteor showers, gracing our skies on an annual basis. It consists of debris from pieces of the famous Halley’s comet, which only comes around once every 75-ish years.
The meteors are usually visible at a rate of 25 per hour, with the Royal Museums Greenwich describing them as ‘fast with fine trains’.
What time will it peak in the UK?
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the Orionids are due to peak on the night of October 21-22 between midnight and dawn.
Where will the Orionid meteor shower be most visible?
It will be visible across the globe, in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but the level of visibility will depend on weather conditions and amounts of light pollution.
Where’s the best place to watch in the UK?
As always with these cosmic spectacles, somewhere away from light pollution and obstruction by trees or buildings will be best. RMG says that it’s a good idea to find a wide open space so that you’ll be able to scan the entire night sky.
There’s no need to pack your telescope or binoculars. You just have to let your eyes adjust to the dark and then watch the magic happen.
What’s special about the Orionid meteor shower?
For those who might miss the once-in-a-lifetime sighting of Halley’s comet – one of the solar system’s most famous spectacles, next due in 2061 – this yearly shower is the next best thing. It’s a teaser for the main event, if you like.
Looking up with Time Out
Whether you’re an avid stargazer or just looking to be wowed once in a while, Time Out has you covered. We’ll always be here to give you everything you need to know about upcoming astronomical events and lunar phenomena.
Last month we covered this once-in-a-lifetime comet, in August we told you all about the rare blue supermoon and the Perseids meteor shower, while in July there was the stunning double whammy of the Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornids showers. Stay tuned for many more magical displays to come!
ICYMI: this forest has been named the best in the UK.
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