The Orionid meteor shower is making its appearance over the next couple of days, and skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere can catch a glimpse by looking southeast. The best viewing time is expected to be on the evening of the 21st.

According to ABC News, the annual Orionid meteor shower originates from Halley’s Comet and is considered by NASA to be “one of the most beautiful meteor showers of the year.” This event follows a month filled with remarkable astronomical phenomena, including strong solar storms, extensive northern lights displays, the Tsuchinshan-Atlas comet, and a supermoon.

Shawn Dahl, a specialist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, stated, “There have been many incredible astronomical events this year.” He emphasized, “The sky is showcasing many brilliant sights.”

NASA has noted that the Orionid meteor shower can be observed without a telescope from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Residents in the Northern Hemisphere should look toward the southeast, while those in the Southern Hemisphere should look northeast. However, the brightness of the supermoon may hinder visibility of the meteors.

Elizabeth Macdonald, a NASA space physicist, pointed out that the moon can cause many meteors to appear blurry. Therefore, she recommends that people find dark areas to enhance their meteor viewing experience.

NASA also suggests that staying in a completely dark spot for at least 30 minutes will help your eyes adjust and increase the likelihood of spotting meteors. They stress the importance of patience, as the meteor shower will last until dawn, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the spectacle.

Additionally, Dahl advises astronomy enthusiasts to allow their eyes to continually adjust to the darkness and to avoid using smartphones or other screens during the viewing.

NASA explains that the Orionid meteor shower consists of dust and debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, which gets pulled into the atmosphere by Earth’s gravity. Typically, during peak activity, the Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) can reach around 20 meteors per hour. Macdonald notes that while the shower’s intensity can vary each year, it is expected to be significantly higher this year.