Orionid Meteor Shower Could Bring Shooting Stars to New York Skies

New Yorkers who enjoy looking at the night sky will want to stay up late The Orionid meteor shower is expected to peak overnight from Wednesday, October 21st, into Thursday, October 22nd.

The meteors are bits of dust and rock left behind by Halley’s Comet. Each year, Earth travels through that trail. As the bits enter our atmosphere, they heat up and appear as streaks of light in the sky.

Look for Meteors Before Sunrise

The Orionids can produce around 20 meteors an hour under dark skies, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. That is an estimate, and you may see fewer, especially if clouds or bright lights get in the way. This year, the Moon will be bright around the shower’s peak, which may make some meteors harder to see. NASA suggests looking after the Moon sets, before sunrise.

You Don’t Need a Telescope

You can watch the Orionids without special equipment. Find a safe place away from streetlights, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, and look up. Bring a blanket or a chair so you can watch comfortably.

You do not have to look straight at the constellation Orion to spot the meteors. They can appear in different parts of the sky. Try to take in as much of the sky as you can, and be patient. Meteors may come in quick groups, with quiet stretches in between.

The shower is active for several weeks, so you may still spot Orionids before or after the peak. But your best chance is around the overnight peak, if skies are clear. For more viewing details, check the Farmers’ Almanac guide.