How to see the Orionid Meteor Shower
Look up and you could be in for a 'celestial fireworks display' as a host of shooting stars whizz over Earth
Britain's night skies will be lit up by the Orionid Meteor Shower this week as the Earth passes through a stream of debris from Halley's Comet.
Experts predict up to 25 shooting stars will be on display every hour, providing a potentially thrilling spectacle for stargazers.
"The spectacular celestial fireworks displays are created when pieces of the comet disintegrate in Earth's upper atmosphere, nearly 60 miles up," says the Daily Telegraph.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
When is the best time to see it?
The Orionids have been visible since 2 October and should last until 7 November, with today being the optimum time to see them.
If skies are dark and clear, you could see up to 25 shooting stars an hour, each travelling at around 41 miles per second. However, this year the light of the moon may weaken visibility.
The Orionid shower is one of the most reliable annual displays of "shooting stars", says Space.com, but the glare of the waning gibbous moon is a "formidable handicap".
A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Orionid meteors are known to be very fast... and typically on the faint side, although with clear, dark skies you still have a good chance of spotting one with its persistent, long trail."
Where is the best place to see it from?
Find a comfortable spot away from bright lights and give your eyes at least 45 minutes to get used to the dark. Comfort and warmth are important because you may need to wait for some time.
To increase your chances of seeing the Orionid shower clearly, have your back to the moon or make sure it's obscured behind a building or tree.
You should be able to spot the shower with the naked eye, but keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and be patient - the Telegraph says anyone hoping for a glimpse will need to be "prepared to wait... And wait... And wait."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Age of barbarism': are we doing enough to protect young pop stars?
In The Spotlight Some argue that Liam Payne's death should lead to a ban on young pop stars
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Mulled white wine: a 'quirky' Christmas hit?
The Week Recommends Retailers are hoping to tempt shoppers with a 'lighter' version of the classic festive tipple
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Earth's carbon sinks are collapsing
Under the Radar Forests and soil are not operating as usual
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Modern royal scandals from around the world
The Explainer From Spain to the UAE, royal families have often been besieged by negative events
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published