Orionid Meteor Shower: When And How To See Shooting Stars In UK In 2024?

The Orionid meteor shower is the second one in October, after the Draconids, and the second one created by Comet Halley. It usually produces up to 20 meteors visible every hour and can be a great visual delight for stargazers. 

In 2024, Orionids continue from 26 September to 22 November and are reaching their peak on 20-21 October. Where & how to watch them – we gathered all the info you need to know about this celestial event.

What Is The Orionid Meteor Shower?

The Orionid meteors originate from Halley’s Comet, which completes an orbit around the sun approximately every 76 years. As it travels, it releases dust particles from its nucleus, like steam billowing from a train. Each year, we pass through this trail of debris in late October.

What’s Special About Halley’s Comet?

Halley’s Comet, or 1P/Halley, was the first comet for which a return was predicted, thanks to calculations made by Edmond Halley. Recorded observations of the comet date back to 240 CE, and it is unique among comets because it is named after the individual who calculated its orbit rather than its discoverer.

Additionally, unlike most objects in our solar system, Halley’s Comet follows a retrograde orbit. This means it travels around the sun in the opposite direction to Earth. The comet’s orbit is also slightly tilted relative to ours, and it spends most of its time below the plane of our orbital path. 

Currently, the comet is at its most distant point from the sun, near the head of the constellation Hydra, the Water Snake, making it too faint to be seen. Halley’s Comet last appeared in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061. However, the Orionid meteors are a constant presence, arriving every October.

When Is The Best Time To Watch Orionids?

Like many meteor showers, the best time to view the Orionids is between midnight and dawn. The peak of the Orionid meteor shower is forecasted for 18:14 UTC on 20 October. To catch the best viewing, look for Orionid meteors during the early mornings of 20 and 21 October, starting after midnight and continuing through the hours leading up to dawn. But not that these meteors are known for their incredible speed, entering Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 41 miles per second (66 kilometres per second).

Can You See Orionids In The UK?

The Orionids can be observed in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres after midnight. In the UK, they will be visible as well, particularly in dark areas away from city lights. For the best viewing experience, find a location with a clear view of the night sky, with a minimal light pollution.

How To Find Orionids In The Night Sky?

To locate the Orionids, look towards their radiant, which is the constellation Orion. The name of the meteor shower comes from this constellation, but it is not the source of the meteors.

Don’t focus solely on Orion to spot the Orionids; they can be seen throughout the night sky. For the best viewing experience, look 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant, as the meteors will appear longer and more impressive from that angle. If you gaze directly at the radiant, the meteors will appear shorter due to a perspective effect known as foreshortening.

Persistent Trails – Key Feature Of The Orionids

If you’re in a dark area with no moonshine, you can expect to see 10 to 20 Orionids per hour at their peak. In 2024, the chance of seeing a beautiful celestial show is promising. These fast-moving meteors can occasionally leave behind persistent trails, adding to the visual spectacle. Additionally, the occurrence of bright fireballs enhances the excitement of the event.