How to See the Orionid Meteor Shower This Week

One of the most reliable meteor showers of the fall season is about to reach its peak, and it comes with a famous connection. The Orionid meteor shower will peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning, Oct. 21-22, as Earth passes through debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.

Under dark, ideal conditions, the Orionids can produce up to 20 meteors per hour. This year’s show will face some competition from the moon, though, so timing will make a big difference for anyone hoping to catch a shooting star.

When to Watch the Orionids

The best window to see the Orionids will come during the final hours before sunrise on Thursday morning. That’s when the sky will be at its darkest, giving skywatchers the best chance of spotting fainter meteors.