I'm an experienced science, travel and photography journalist and stargazer writing about exploring the night sky, total solar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. I'm the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com, SmartTelescopeReviews.
Future Publishing via Getty ImagesThey will appear to emanate from the constellation Orion—just above the famous Orion’s Belt of three bright stars—hence the name Orionid meteor shower.
However, the Orionids are the result of dust and debris left in the inner solar system by Halley’s comet, the most famous short-period comet—and the only comet it’s possible to see twice in one human lifetime.“Shooting stars” are caused by dust and debris from comets releasing energy as they strike Earth’s atmosphere.
Last seen in the inner solar system in 1986, when Halley’s comet—essentially a giant snowball of ice, rock and dust—enters the inner solar system every 75 years it slightly melts and leaves debris in its wake. That material drifts into Earth’s orbital path around the sun—that’s why we have meteor showers.
Although clear skies will be required to see anything of note, the sky conditions are good for this year’s Orionids—particularly if you are prepared to stay up late. That’s because there’s a first quarter moon, which although bright enough to bleach the night sky and make it more difficult to see “shooting stars,” will set around midnight.The best way to see the Orionids is to look at the night sky—and keep looking. A lawn chair can help. So can a warm jacket and frequent breaks.
In fact, the preferable way to approach the Orionids is to treat is as a stargazing session. Go explore the constellation of Orion, which will rise high into the southeastern sky after midnight. Check out red giant star Betelgeuse—which recently underwent aof bright stars around Orion. Do that for an hour or so after midnight—if there’s a clear sky—and you’ll probably see “shooting stars.”
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