The annual Orionid meteor shower is set to peak on the nights of October 21 and 22, offering skywatchers a chance to witness spectacular streaks of light created by debris from Halley’s Comet.

Skywatchers have an exciting celestial event to look forward to as the annual Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak this week. The meteor shower, known for its fast-moving and sometimes exceptionally bright meteors, is expected to offer a spectacular display in the night sky, provided weather and viewing conditions are favorable.

According to astronomical reports, observers may be able to spot around 10 to 20 meteors per hour under favorable conditions during the peak period. Some larger fragments could also produce exceptionally bright streaks of light, known as fireballs.

What Causes the Orionid Meteor Shower?

The Orionids occur when Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left behind by Halley’s Comet as it travels around the Sun. When these tiny particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds, they heat up and burn, producing the luminous streaks commonly known as shooting stars.

The meteors are among the fastest of the annual meteor showers, entering the atmosphere at approximately 66 kilometres per second. Their remarkable speed can make them appear as bright streaks across the sky, sometimes leaving persistent trails.

Despite their dazzling appearance, these meteors are generally caused by tiny particles rather than large rocks.

When Will the Orionid Meteor Shower Peak?

According to the American Meteor Society, the Orionid meteor shower remains active from October 2 to November 7 each year. In 2026, its peak is expected around the nights of October 21 and 22.

EarthSky has indicated that the peak is expected at approximately 18:00 UTC on October 21, equivalent to around 11:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time.

For observers in India, the hours after midnight and before dawn may offer favorable viewing opportunities, with some reports suggesting that the period between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. could be particularly suitable. However, the actual number of visible meteors will depend on local sky conditions, light pollution and the Moon’s brightness.

How to Watch the Shooting Stars

No telescope or specialised equipment is needed to enjoy the Orionid meteor shower. A few simple precautions can help improve the viewing experience:

• Choose a dark location: Move away from streetlights, buildings and other sources of artificial light.
• Watch after midnight: The hours before dawn are often favorable for meteor watching.
• Allow your eyes to adjust: Spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes in darkness to improve your night vision.
• Look at a wide area of the sky: Avoid focusing on just one point, as meteors can appear in different parts of the sky.
• Check the weather: Clear skies are essential for a good view.

Moonlight may make fainter meteors more difficult to spot, particularly earlier in the night. Finding a location with an unobstructed view of the sky and minimal artificial lighting can significantly improve the experience.

Halley’s Comet Could Return to the Spotlight

The Orionid meteor shower is also a reminder of Halley’s Comet, officially designated 1P/Halley, one of the most famous comets in the Solar System. The comet leaves behind streams of debris during its journey around the Sun, giving rise to meteor showers when Earth crosses those trails.

Halley’s Comet is expected to make its next closest approach to the Sun in 2061. Scientists are also exploring the possibility of future spacecraft missions to study the comet and its surrounding environment, potentially providing new insights into the early Solar System.

For astronomy enthusiasts, the Orionid meteor shower offers an opportunity to witness the remnants of this famous comet without any special equipment. With a dark sky, clear weather and a little patience, observers may be able to catch several shooting stars streaking across the night sky.