Orionid Meteor Shower 2015 Peaks This Week

By MARC TORRENCE (Patch National Staff)

The Orionid Meteor Shower peak this week will cap a spectacular two months for skywatchers.

We had the supermoon lunar eclipse in September, the Draconids at the beginning of the month and now one of the best meteor showers of the year.

Here’s what you need to know to see the show:

When?

The Orionid meteor shower will peak Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 21 and 22, with the best viewing coming before dawn after bright moon sets, according to EarthSky.org.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service are calling for only partly cloudy skies in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday and Thursday. That means your best bet is to go outside and check it out. Should cloud cover be too much, check back a little later in the evening.

Where?

The Orionids will appear to originate from the famous constellation Orion, as its name suggests. Look for the “club” Orion appears to hold on the left side of the constellation.

Why?

A meteor shower happens when the Earth passes through a comet’s orbit. The debris left behind by the comet hits the Earth’s atmosphere, and the particles burn up upon entry, creating a streaking pattern in the sky.

The Orionids come from the dust from Halley’s Comet.

How?

Viewing a meteor shower is simple:

• Find a dark area with little or no surrounding lights.
• Get situated in a chair or on a blanket, and look up toward Draco and the Little Dipper.
• Try to keep your eyes focused on the dark sky for a few minutes. Looking at your phone or other bright objects will cause your eyes to readjust, and the meteors will be harder to see.
• The Orionids produce about 20 meteors per hour, according to NASA, and are known for being “bright and quick.”

What’s next?

If you miss Draconids, don’t worry.

The Leonids meteor shower will peak the evenings of Nov. 17 and 18.

Image: Fred Bruenjes/NASA