The Orionid meteors will streak across the sky between about October 2 and November 7. This is the time of year when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by Halley's Comet, the originator of this shower. (Actually, Halley is also responsible for the Aquarid Aetae). The Orionids are extremely fast meteors: they burn through the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of about 66 kilometers per second. They compensate for this with a long trail of ionized gas that lasts for several seconds after the meteor has disappeared, even though they are not a very dense swarm. They can also be exceptionally bright and can break up into a number of fragments.
Where, when and how to see them
They are expected to peak on the night of October 20-21 (expect between 15 and 70 meteors per hour). The moon will not interfere with the viewing as it will set relatively early. The radiant, or area of the sky from which they appear to come, is in the constellation of Orion. (They are named after this constellation.) Turn your gaze to the east starting at 11:30 p.m. (the exact time depends on having an unobstructed horizon). There is no need for any kind of observation equipment: the naked eye will do!
The cover image is an artist's rendering.
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