Why is the Orionid meteor shower trending today?
The event is trending because the Orionid meteor shower is peaking this week. It is caused by debris from Halley's comet and is visible in the early morning hours.
What happened
- Earlier this month
The Orionid meteor shower began [1].
- Thursday morning
The shower reaches its peak as Earth enters the thickest part of the debris trail [1].
- Early November
The meteor shower is expected to end [1].
What you need to know
The best viewing time is between 4am and 5am under dark skies [1].
Look toward the northern sky, specifically just below Orion's belt [1].
A bright moon may hide many meteors until it sets in the early morning [1], [2].
Fast-moving meteors are likely Orionids, while slower ones may be Taurids [2].
There is some uncertainty regarding whether Wednesday or Thursday night will provide the absolute highest number of meteors [2].
Background
The Orionids are created by the trail of Halley's comet, which is visible from Earth every 74 to 79 years and is next due in 2061 [1], [2].
This shower often overlaps with the Taurid meteor shower. While neither is the strongest of the year, their combined fast and slow meteors create a better display [1], [2].
Records suggest the Orionids have been watched for at least 2,500 years, with some accounts dating back to 800 BC [2].
Questions people ask
How many meteors can I see?
Under ideal dark skies, you might see one every 4 to 5 minutes, or roughly 20 to 30 per hour [1], [2].
Can I see them from the city?
Yes, the brightest meteors are visible in cities as long as you avoid direct streetlights [2].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.