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halley’s comet meteor shower: Halley’s Comet Meteor Shower begins: Here’s how to get the best view of Orionids | Date & Time



As a bright comet approaches the Earth, another celestial event is set to light up the night sky. This week marks the beginning of the annual Orionids meteor shower, an astronomical spectacle linked to one of the solar system’s most renowned celestial bodies: Halley’s Comet.

Starting September 26, stargazers can prepare for a captivating display of shooting stars, as this meteor shower runs from September 26 through November 22, 2024, as per a report by Forbes.

Peak Night for Viewing

The Orionids meteor shower reaches its peak from the night of Sunday, October 20, into the early hours of Monday, October 21, as per a report by Forbes. While viewers can witness the shower on any clear night throughout its duration, the peak night offers the most promising conditions for observing these celestial phenomena.

According to the American Meteor Society, the Orionids are classified as a medium-strength meteor shower, typically producing around 20 shooting stars per hour during peak times. However, in some years, the number can surge to between 50 and 75 meteors per hour.

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This year, the viewing experience may be somewhat hindered due to a waning gibbous moon, which will rise before midnight and remain visible throughout the night. To optimize viewing conditions, enthusiasts are encouraged to seek out shooting stars as soon as darkness falls. For those looking to plan their viewing schedule around moon phases, utilizing a moonrise and moonset calculator can be beneficial.

The Cosmic Link to Halley’s Comet

The Orionids meteor shower is generated by the debris and dust left in the inner solar system by Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley), which last passed through our vicinity in 1986 and is anticipated to return in 2061.

Presently located in the constellation Hydra, Halley’s Comet leaves behind tiny fragments that burn up upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, creating the dazzling display known as shooting stars, which travel at an impressive speed of approximately 41 miles per second.

While the Orionids derive their name from their radiant point in the constellation Orion, they can be seen across the entire sky. Notably, Halley’s Comet is responsible for two annual meteor showers: the Orionids in October and the Eta Aquarids in May.

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Viewing Tips for Stargazers

For optimal viewing of the Orionids, here are several tips provided by NASA:

Escape Urban Light Pollution: Seek locations far from city lights, ideally in an International Dark Sky Park to enhance visibility.

Choose an Unobstructed View: Select a spot with a clear line of sight to the night sky, avoiding any obstructions such as trees or buildings.

Avoid Telescopes and Binoculars: Using these tools can reduce the likelihood of spotting meteors, as they restrict your field of view.

Minimize White Light Exposure: Refrain from looking at your cellphone or other bright screens, as this can impair your night vision. Instead, opt for red light to maintain your ability to see in the dark.

Dress Appropriately: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, so ensure you are warmly dressed to stay comfortable during your observation.

Be Patient: It is advisable to watch for at least half an hour to increase your chances of witnessing shooting stars. A reclining chair or ground pad can enhance comfort during your wait.

FAQs

What is the Orionid meteor shower?
The much-awaited Orionid meteor shower is one of the best-known meteor showers in the annual calendar, visible from across the globe.

Where to look to see the Orionid meteor shower?
As per the instructions by NASA, one should not only concentrate at the Orion constellation to view the Orionids. In fact, is better to view the Orionids from 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant.

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