How to Catch a Glimpse of the Dazzling Orionid Meteor Shower
Moonlight will wash out fainter meteors, but observers may still see up to 20 an hour in dark skies, the American Meteor Society said.
- The Orionids meteor shower reaches its peak this week, with prime viewing from Wednesday night into the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, created by space dust from Halley's comet.
- Collisions between Earth and trailing dust particles left by Halley's comet cause the shower, with particles traveling at more than 140,000 mph and visible in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Astronomical Society of Long Island president Ken Spencer noted the moon will be 81% full, potentially precluding viewing for most of the night, while light pollution complicates visibility.
- Stargazers should find dark locations like Montauk and allow eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Spencer said, "It's worth going out and taking a look. Because if you get a great night, it'll knock your socks off."
- Visibility for the Orionids continues through Nov. 7, while the next upcoming meteor shower, the Southern Taurids, is expected to peak on Nov. 5.
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How to catch a glimpse of the dazzling Orionid meteor shower
By Ashley Strickland, CNN (CNN) — The Orionid meteor shower creates one of the most brilliant displays in the night sky each fall — but this year’s celestial event may have a dimmer showing due to a bright moon.Unlike the recent Draconid meteor shower, a treat for early sleepers, the Orionids will reward those who
You Won't Want To Miss This Week's 'Beautiful' Orionid Meteor Shower
Stargazers have been spoiled this year. Aside from the usual Lyrid and Eta Aquariid meteor showers, we’ve also enjoyed a solar eclipse – which was itself followed by a Perseid meteor shower in what was termed a “cosmic double whammy”. Now, we’re due for what NASA calls “one of the most beautiful [meteor] showers of the year”: the Orionids. Here’s what those are, as well as when and where you’ll be able to see them.What is the Orionid meteor show…
The Earth crosses the dust trail of Halley's comet. Numerous meteors were already visible. And there could be more.
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