Skywatchers will get their best look at the Orionid meteor shower overnight from October 21 to 22, 2026, when bright streaks are expected to cross the sky.
The shower happens when Earth moves through debris shed by Halley’s Comet. Astronomers said the Orionids can produce up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This year, however, a bright Moon could make the display harder to spot.
When and how to view the Orionid meteors
The Orionids are active from October 2 to November 7, with the strongest viewing expected on the night of October 21 and the early morning of October 22. Meteors may also appear on nearby nights, depending on the weather and how clear the sky is.
No telescope or binoculars are required, making the shower accessible to both amateur astronomers and casual observers. The best window is usually after midnight and before dawn, when the radiant point in the constellation Orion sits higher in the sky. Observers should head to a dark spot away from city lights and allow their eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust. Moonlight will reduce visibility for much of the peak night.
Why Halley’s Comet debris produces shooting stars
Tiny particles from Halley’s Comet enter Earth’s atmosphere at about 66 kilometers per second, which creates the Orionids. Friction and compression heat the surrounding air, producing the glowing streaks people call shooting stars. Halley’s Comet last passed through the inner solar system in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061.
Despite interference from the Moon, the shower remains a highlight for astronomy fans in October.
