Meteor showers Orionids
Orionids
Among the fastest meteors of autumn nights
Halley’s dust again: near-maximum speed, with a broad and forgiving peak.
- Active period
- 2 October to 7 November
- Usual maximum
- Around 21 October
- ZHR under ideal skies
- About 20
01 / Overview
Meet Orionids
The Orionids peak in late October at a moderate rate, but their meteors travel near the upper limit of about 66 km/s. The dust again comes from comet 1P/Halley; this time Earth crosses the other side of its orbit. Rates change little across the week around maximum, so no single night has to be defended.
A gentle maximum
Unlike the Quadrantids, this stream is broad, and several nights on either side of maximum run close to peak rates. That makes the shower unusually forgiving of weather: if one night clouds over, the next is still worth the trip.
The radiant and Orion
The radiant lies near the club Orion holds up, and climbs with the constellation after midnight. The meteors themselves can appear anywhere in the sky; staring at the radiant alone costs you the longest trails.
02 / Key data
Core parameters
- Active period
- 2 October to 7 November
- Usual maximum
- Around 21 October
- ZHR under ideal skies
- About 20
- Parent body
- Comet 1P/Halley
- Recurrence
- Late October, every year
Data and calculation notes
Active periods, peak dates and rates are multi-year averages; each year differs a little, so plan against the forecast issued for the year in question.
03 / Observing tips
How to watch
- The peak is broad; several nights either side come close to it.
- The radiant climbs after midnight, and the hours before dawn are best.
- The meteors are fast: to the eye most are a thin bright line, gone in an instant.
04 / Sources