A Gift from Halley's Comet
The Orionid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs when Earth passes through the trail of cosmic dust and debris left behind by the most famous of all comets: 1P/Halley, or Halley's Comet. Though the comet itself only graces our skies once every
76 years—its last visit was in 1986 and its next is not until 2061—it leaves behind a legacy we can witness twice a year. The dust grains from Halley’s Comet create the Eta Aquariid shower in May and the Orionids in October. When these tiny particles, many no larger than a grain of sand, hit our atmosphere at tremendous speeds of around 66 kilometres per second, they burn up, creating the dazzling streaks of light we call meteors or shooting stars.
The Best Times to Watch
The key dates for the 2026 Orionid peak are the night of October 21 and into the early morning of October 22. While the shower is active from early October to early November, these nights will offer the highest concentration of meteors. The absolute best time for viewing is in the hours after midnight and before dawn. This is when the Earth is rotating into the meteor stream, increasing the number of visible meteors. However, there's a catch for 2026: a bright waxing gibbous moon will be in the sky for much of the night, which can wash out fainter meteors. The good news is that the moon will set a few hours before sunrise, creating a perfect dark window for the best viewing. So, for your best chance, plan on getting up early rather than staying up late.
Where to Look and What to Expect
The shower is named the Orionids because the meteors appear to radiate from a point within the constellation of Orion the Hunter. You can find Orion rising in the east after midnight, easily identifiable by the three bright stars that form its belt. However, you don't need to stare directly at the constellation. In fact, it's better to look about 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant point. Meteors seen farther from their point of origin will appear longer and more spectacular. Find a comfortable spot, lie back, and take in as much of the sky as possible; the meteors can appear anywhere. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, you might see between 15 and 25 meteors per hour. The Orionids are known for their speed and for sometimes leaving behind glowing "trains" of incandescent debris that can last for a few seconds.
Your Meteor Watching Checklist
You don’t need any special equipment like a telescope or binoculars to enjoy a meteor shower; your eyes are the best tool. The most important factor for a successful viewing is getting away from city and street lights. Light pollution drastically reduces the number of meteors you'll be able to see. Find a dark, open area with an unobstructed view of the sky. Give your eyes at least 20 to 30 minutes to fully adapt to the darkness—and avoid looking at your phone screen, as its light will ruin your night vision. Since you'll be outside for a while, comfort is key. Bring a reclining lawn chair or a thick blanket to lie on. Dress in warm layers, as even autumn nights can get chilly. A thermos of a hot drink and some snacks can make the experience even more enjoyable.
