The annual Orionid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak during the night of October 21-22, offering observers the chance to see fragments of Halley’s comet streak across the night sky. The meteor shower occurs each October when Earth passes through a stream of debris left by the comet.

As these particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of approximately 66 kilometers per second, they generate brief flashes of light known as meteors. Under optimal viewing conditions, observers can typically expect to see between 10 and 20 meteors per hour.

This year’s viewing may be hampered by a bright waxing gibbous Moon, which is expected to reduce visibility by obscuring many of the fainter meteors. However, conditions are expected to improve after the Moon sets around 03:00 British Summer Time (BST), providing several hours of darker skies before dawn.

The meteor shower appears to radiate from a point near the constellation Orion. As Orion rises higher in the pre-dawn sky, observers with a clear, unobstructed view looking southeast may find it easier to spot these celestial streaks. No special equipment is required; watching with the naked eye is sufficient.

For the best experience, viewers are advised to find a safe location away from city lights with a broad view of the sky. The Orionids offer a recurring opportunity to witness material from Halley’s comet lighting up the atmosphere each year, linking observers to one of the most famous comets in history.