What's Happening?
The Orionid meteor shower, originating from Halley's Comet, continues to dazzle the night skies over Australia, offering a spectacular celestial display. The shower, which peaked on October 21 and 22,
remains visible until November 7. In addition to the meteor shower, two rare comets, Lemmon and SWAN, are also visible, providing a unique opportunity for stargazers. Comet Lemmon orbits the Sun every 1,350 years, while Comet SWAN completes its orbit every 20,000 years. Optimal viewing conditions are away from city lights, with the best times being after midnight.
Why It's Important?
This astronomical event provides a rare opportunity for both amateur and professional astronomers to observe celestial phenomena that are not frequently visible. The visibility of the Orionid meteor shower and the rare comets Lemmon and SWAN can inspire interest in astronomy and science, potentially encouraging educational activities and public engagement with space science. Additionally, such events can boost local tourism in areas with minimal light pollution, as enthusiasts travel to optimal viewing locations.
