(KTEN) – For all the stargazers out there, the Orionid Meteor Shower has begun! The shower began on October 2 and will last through November 7, 2022.

The Orionid Meteor Shower peaks in late October
The Orionid Meteor Shower peaks in late October KTEN

 

The Orionids will peak between October 21 and 22 where up to 20 meteors per hour will zoom across the night sky. Although the Orionids are not as prevalent as the Perseids, this meteor shower can still offer dazzling displays of cosmic beauty.

About 20 meteors will streak across the sky per hour during the shower's peak
About 20 meteors will streak across the sky per hour during the shower's peak Randy Fullerton

 

The Orionids are produced from the Comet Halley as it returns into the inner solar system, according to NASA. Ice and rocky dust is broken off the comet, which becomes the Orionid Meteor Shower that we all see in mid-October.

The meteors can be viewed with the naked eye under perfect conditions
The meteors can be viewed with the naked eye under perfect conditions earthsky.org

 

You can best view the meteor shower far away from those city lights to reduce light pollution. You may have to wait around 15 to 20 minutes to allow your eyes to allocate to the darkness in order to see the meteors streaking across the sky near the constellation Orion. A waning crescent moon will also allow good viewing. This year, the moon will be 17% illuminated during the peak. Enjoy!