The Orionid meteor shower is the other of the two showers linked to Halley’s Comet. These are very fast meteors that often leave long, persistent trails. The radiant is in the famous constellation Orion, and the best time to watch is in the hours after midnight, when the radiant is high in the sky.
- Duration: September 26–November 22, 2025.
- Predicted Peak: ~00:00 UTC on October 21, 2025.
- Hourly Rate: Typically around 20 meteors per hour, but can be higher.
- Radiant: In the constellation Orion, near Orion’s Belt. The radiant rises before midnight and is highest in the pre-dawn hours.
- Parent Body: Halley’s Comet.
- Moon Phase: New Moon at 12:25 UTC on October 21, 2025. This offers an excellent opportunity for dark-sky viewing with minimal moonlight interference.
Radiant Point of the Orionid Meteor Shower
The radiant point of the Orionids lies in the constellation Orion, near Orion’s bright club-shaped figure. This makes the shower easy to identify since Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky.
The radiant rises late in the evening and is highest before dawn, making the early morning hours the best time to watch. Although meteors seem to come from Orion, they can streak across any part of the sky, so wide views are best for spotting them.
Parent Body of the Orionid Meteor Shower
The Orionids come from Halley’s Comet, one of the most famous comets known to humanity. Halley’s Comet orbits the Sun every 76 years, leaving behind a trail of dust and rock during its journey. Each October, Earth passes through this debris, and the particles burn up in our atmosphere at high speeds, creating the Orionid meteors.
Interestingly, Halley’s Comet is also responsible for another meteor shower—the Eta Aquariids—which occurs in May. This connection means that even when Halley’s Comet is far from Earth, its presence is still felt in our skies through these annual showers.
History of the Orionid Meteor Shower
The Orionids have been observed for centuries, though they were formally recognized as a distinct meteor shower in the 19th century. With average rates of 15 to 20 meteors per hour, the shower is considered modest but consistent. The meteors are fast, entering Earth’s atmosphere at about 66 kilometers per second, and they are known for leaving persistent trains that linger for seconds.
Some years bring slightly higher activity, with up to 30 meteors per hour, but the Orionids are valued more for their beauty than their numbers. Their direct link to Halley’s Comet adds a layer of historical and scientific importance that sets them apart.
How to Observe a Meteor Shower?
The Orionid Meteor Shower, like most meteor showers, does not require any telescope or binoculars. In fact, wide, unobstructed views of the sky are best. Here are some practical tips to maximize your experience:
- Escape the city lights by heading to the countryside or a hilltop with clear horizons.
- Protect your night vision by avoiding bright lights for 20–30 minutes. Use a red-light flashlight if needed.
- Scan the entire sky, not just the radiant. Meteors can appear anywhere overhead.
- Bring coats, gloves, and a warm hat to fight the chill.
- Don’t forget something to sit or lie on, and pack snacks or hot drinks.
Refer to our Meteor Shower Calendar!
