October offers another treat for stargazers: the Orionid Meteor Shower. After several months of witnessing various spectacles in the sky, the people of the United States will allegedly be able to watch a meteor shower. This special kind of shower occurs when the Earth passes through debris that Halley's comet has left behind. This creates shooting stars that turn out to be meteor showers.
According to NASA, the Orionid, allegedly one of the most beautiful showers of the year, peaks during mid-October annually. They are considered to be special for their speed (about 41 miles per second) and brightness. They even leave glowing trains behind, which look like light fireballs. However, whether people will be able to watch them this year will depend on how clear the sky is. Moreover, the moon might also outshine the lighter meteors, resulting in fewer shooting stars.
According to the agency, the Orionid Meteor Shower is expected to be visible after midnight through before dawn on Sunday and Monday. It will be visible in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
NASA advises stargazers for the Orionid Meteor Shower
NASA has provided tips to all stargazers, professionals or amateurs, to catch a glimpse of the Orionid Meteor Shower. Bill Cooke, NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office leader at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, suggested people come prepared to watch the night sky.
"Find an area well away from the city or street lights. Come prepared with a blanket. Lie flat on your back and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors."
Taking to their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the space agency also penned,
"Spending your weekend outdoors? Keep your eyes out for the Orionids meteor shower! A few Orionids could be viewable late Saturday and Sunday nights into the predawn. Even if they don't show, it may still be a good time for moonwatching."
Netizens have also expressed their excitement about watching the meteor shower. One wrote,
"That sounds amazing! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the Orionids this weekend. Even if the meteors don’t show, it’s a perfect excuse to enjoy some moonwatching. Thanks for the heads-up!"
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Photos and videos of the meteor shower are awaited.
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