Miss the Draconids? Orionid Meteor Shower Peak 2013 On the Way

By Todd Richissin 

Clouds made the Draconid meteor shower 2013 peak difficult to see over Chantilly, but have no fear, the Orionid meteor shower 2013 peak is just about here.

But, Chantilly, we have another problem: That bright, pesky thing called the moon.

• Photos of the Orionid meteor shower.
• NASA video on the Orinid meteor shower 2013 peak.

The annual Orionid meteor shower is expected to be most active before dawn on October 21, although you may be able to get a glimpse of them on either side of that date. The problem is the full moon on Oct. 18, which will bleach the sky just as the Orionids peak arrives.

Still, it's pretty cool if for no other reason than the Orionids are the offspring of Halley's Comet.

Earthsky.org recommends that if you're going to try to sneak a peek, try between midnight and dawn. And where to look? Toward the constellation Orion, namesake of the meteor shower.

And if you miss the Orionids, hang in there. The calendar for 2013 meteor showers shows the Leonids arriving Nov. 16.