Meteor shower linked to Halley's Comet has started. Here is when to watch the Orionids
Orionid meteor shower from Halley's Comet
A bright comet and an exploding star will soon shine bright in the night sky. Both these occurrences are happening in September. But there is one more event you might not want to miss out on.
Remnants of the famous Halley's Comet, a celestial visitor that takes a trip to our solar system approximately every 72 years, will soon rain down in the form of a meteor shower.
The annual meteor shower called the Orionids will grace the skies this week. Although it has already started, it is yet to reach its peak brightness.
All meteor showers form when small space rocks or dust burn up while hitting Earth's atmosphere. The Orionid happens because of the debris left behind by Halley's Comet in the inner solar system.
It last paid us a visit in 1986 and will return in 2061. However, the meteor shower derives its name from its point of origin, the Orion constellation.
When to watch Orionid meteor shower
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The Orionid meteor shower started on September 26 and will continue till November 22. So there is plenty of time for you to witness the glorious wonder. However, it will reach its peak in only one night. This day is October 20 overnight through October 21.
Also Read:Comet A3, icy visitor from Oort Cloud, is becoming brighter. Here is when to watch and how
On an ordinary night during the period Orionids will last, you might be able to spot 20-30 shooting stars in an hour. However, the peak night can produce 50-75 shooting stars.
How to watch the Orionids
Like any other cosmic event, you will need clear and dark skies to be able to spot the meteor shower. So go far away from light pollution. They will not make an instant appearance, so wait at least half an hour.
Do not use binoculars or a telescope as they might hamper your view. Pack away your phone as the white light also hinders vision
Unfortunately, the peak night will make it harder to see the shooting stars since a waning gibbous moon will rise before midnight. So try and catch them as soon as it gets dark and before the moon rises.
But you still have a chance to see the shower on the other nights.
Halley's Comet
The wonder comet visits us every 72-80 years. Right now it is in the constellation Hydra and has already started its return trip towards us. It reached its aphelion, the farthest point from the sun, on December 9 last year.
When it finally reaches us in late July 2061, it is expected to come much closer than last time and will appear brighter.
