Nothing breaks up the routine of dinner, TV and bedtime like an exciting astronomical event – especially one as reliable as the Orionid meteor shower. Wrap up warm, bring a flask of hot tea and some camping chairs, and take yourself out somewhere away from city lights to enjoy this free cosmic display of shooting stars.
The Orionid meteor shower takes place between 2 October and 7 November this year, peaking for the week around 22 October. This year’s Orionid meteor shower coincides with the new Moon, so viewing conditions will be good, with minimal moonlight pollution.
What is the Orionid meteor shower?
The Orionid meteor shower is one of the most visible regular meteor showers around the world, occurring every year in October. On a clear night, it is easy to spot ‘shooting stars’, particularly if you're able to view them away from sources of major light pollution.
The meteors that make up this spectacle are in fact pieces of the famous Halley's comet (Comet 1P/Halley), which passes the earth just once every 75-76 years. As this is not due to come near us until 2061, the Orionids meteor shower is considered extra special for those who may miss that once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.
How to see the Orionid meteor shower
For the best chance of seeing it, head away from city and town lights towards your biggest green space – whether that's a large park or a country lane. Or, to make more of a night of it, plan a route to your nearest Dark Sky Reserve for optimum stargazing potential.
In the UK you can visit the Dark Sky Discovery website to browse a map that shows you where you can spot the Orion constellation and places you can even see the Milky Way.
Do you need equipment to see the Orionid meteor shower?
You don't need any specialist equipment, but keen photographers might want to bring their camera, tripod and binoculars. Bring a camping chair, warm clothes, a flask of tea and possibly a blanket to get set for a night under the stars.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as a cloudy night will impinge upon your changes of seeing any cosmic activity.
Top image: meteor shower. Credit: Getty
