Orionids meteor shower to peak in October 2026

The Orionids meteor shower is expected to reach its peak during the night of October 21 to 22, 2026. This annual celestial event is caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Halley's Comet.

According to NASA, the period of activity for the Orionids spans from October 2 to November 7. The meteors are noted for their high speed, traveling at approximately 66 kilometers per second (about 238,000 km/h), which can create persistent light trails in the atmosphere. Under ideal observation conditions, observers may see up to 20 meteors per hour.

To maximize visibility, experts recommend observing between midnight and 5:00 AM. While the meteors appear to originate from the constellation Orion near the star Betelgeuse, this is an effect of perspective. Visibility may be affected by lunar brightness and local weather conditions.