The night sky will be anything but dull in the coming days, as the Orionid meteor shower peaks from Oct. 20 to 22. The meteors are the “fastest and brightest” because they hit the Earth almost head on according to Space.com.
Philippine weather agency PAG-ASA also says that as many as 15 comets per hour can be seen, if viewed in the best viewing conditions.
When And How To Catch The Orionid Meteor Shower
Unlike recent astronomical events, such as the total solar eclipse of 2017, the Orionids can be seen all over the world by those living in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Regardless of where you are located, the best time to catch the night lights is between October 20 to 22, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. As many as 10 to 20 meteors per hour may brighten up the sky, according to astronomers.
Named after the constellation Orion, the Hunter, because that is the direction where they seem to be coming from, these meteors are actually particles from the famous Halley’s Comet. Once every year, as the Earth orbits the sun, it passes through areas where this debris is located, thus the meteor shower.
No Special Equipment Needed, Best With Clear Nighttime Skies
The only thing one needs to view the shower is a good pair of eyes. No special equipment such as binoculars and telescopes are necessary because they will not be able to catch moving objects.
Astronomers also recommend finding a viewing spot away from city lights, a comfortable chair to sit in, and a blanket. The only thing one cannot control are the clouds which can hinder viewing.
Those who do not watch to go out can view via livestream. NASA will make it available via Ustream, while Slooh.com will also have its own livestream through its website.
Two more meteor showers are coming towards the end of the year – the Leonids in November and the Geminids in December.