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Astro Bob: Rise early on Oct. 22 to see meteors from Halley's Comet
Duluth News Tribune • • science
Key Points:
- Every October, Earth passes through the orbit of Halley's Comet, encountering its debris and producing the Orionid meteor shower, with meteors striking the atmosphere at about 148,000 mph.
- The Orionids peak on the night of October 21-22, offering around 20 meteors per hour visible from dark, moonless skies, with meteors radiating from a point near the constellation Orion.
- This year, viewing is best after 3 a.m. when the bright waxing gibbous moon sets, providing about three hours of optimal dark-sky conditions for observing the shower.
- To maximize the experience, observers are encouraged to watch from locations outside city lights, using minimal equipment like a lounge chair and warm clothing for comfort.
- Besides meteors, early morning viewers can enjoy sights and sounds of the night, including winter stars, planets like Jupiter and Mars, and natural nocturnal wildlife.
