Skywatchers have a treat this week as the Orionid meteor shower stages one of the brightest heavenly performances of the year. The clear skies and dark moon ensure that the cosmic spectacle will be dazzling streaks across the nighttime sky.
When Will the Orionid Meteor Shower Peak?
According to the American Meteor Society, the Orionids are active from October 2 to November 7 each year. This year’s peak will occur between the early hours of October 21 and 23. During this period, viewers could see up to 20 meteors per hour under a dark, moonless sky.
NASA reports that each meteor can travel at speeds reaching 148,000 miles per hour, leaving glowing trails that sometimes last several minutes. The Planetary Society notes that in Reno, skywatchers might witness as many as 20 meteors per hour between October 20 and 21.
Where and When to Watch in the United States?
From October 21 to 23, the best time to watch the Orionids will be after 1 a.m. through dawn, USA Today reported. The meteor shower can be seen across the United States, weather permitting, but the best experience awaits those in open areas with minimal light pollution.
According to EarthSky.org, the ideal viewing conditions occur under a moonless sky, which the waning crescent moon in 2025 will help ensure. Stargazers are advised to avoid directly looking toward the constellation Orion and instead watch 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant, as suggested by NASA.
What Makes the Orionids Special This Year?
The Orionid meteor shower will be the second to peak in October 2025, following the Draconid meteor shower earlier this month. The Perseids, which peaked in August, remain a fan favourite, but the Orionids are known for their brightness and speed.
In past years, such as between 2006 and 2009, the Orionids produced up to 75 meteors per hour—matching even the Perseids. This year’s conditions may not reach that record, but NASA expects a clear and brilliant display.
How to Get the Best View
NASA recommends heading away from city lights for the clearest view. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere should face southeast, lie back, and take in as much of the sky as possible.
The agency adds that it takes about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust fully to the dark. The show will continue until dawn, offering plenty of time to spot a meteor or even a rare fireball cutting through the night.
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