News
October 04, 2025
Orionids meteor shower with 25 fireballs an HOUR from Halley’s Comet ‘that only visits every 75 years’ visible tonight
A METEOR shower is set to fill the skies with dozens of fireballs every single hour. And it's kicking off right now, giving you just over a month of night sky action – but don't miss the best viewing time. It's called the Orionid meteor shower and it's a special stargazing treat. That's because these...
Get ready to look up! The Orionid meteor shower, a dazzling display of celestial fireworks, is set to peak tonight, offering stargazers a chance to witness up to 25 fireballs streaking across the sky every hour. This annual event, already underway, promises over a month of night sky entertainment, but tonight offers the most spectacular viewing opportunity.
What makes the Orionids so special? These meteors are actually remnants of Halley's Comet, the famous icy body that graces our inner solar system only once every 75 years. As the Earth passes through the comet's debris trail, tiny particles, no larger than grains of sand, collide with our atmosphere at incredible speeds. This friction causes them to burn up, creating the brilliant streaks of light we know as meteors.
The Orionids are named after the constellation Orion, as the meteors appear to radiate from a point near this prominent star pattern. However, you don't need to locate Orion to enjoy the show. Simply find a dark location away from city lights, lie on your back, and scan the entire sky. The meteors can appear anywhere, so a wide field of view is essential.
Experts recommend allowing your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness for optimal viewing. Avoid using any white light sources, such as phone screens or flashlights, as this will hinder your night vision. Red light is a much better alternative if you need illumination.
While the shower is already active, the peak tonight will provide the highest concentration of meteors. Even if you miss the peak, the Orionids will continue to be visible for several more weeks, though at a reduced rate. So, grab a blanket, invite some friends, and prepare to be amazed by this stunning display of cosmic debris from the legendary Halley's Comet. It's a celestial event you won't want to miss!
What makes the Orionids so special? These meteors are actually remnants of Halley's Comet, the famous icy body that graces our inner solar system only once every 75 years. As the Earth passes through the comet's debris trail, tiny particles, no larger than grains of sand, collide with our atmosphere at incredible speeds. This friction causes them to burn up, creating the brilliant streaks of light we know as meteors.
The Orionids are named after the constellation Orion, as the meteors appear to radiate from a point near this prominent star pattern. However, you don't need to locate Orion to enjoy the show. Simply find a dark location away from city lights, lie on your back, and scan the entire sky. The meteors can appear anywhere, so a wide field of view is essential.
Experts recommend allowing your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness for optimal viewing. Avoid using any white light sources, such as phone screens or flashlights, as this will hinder your night vision. Red light is a much better alternative if you need illumination.
While the shower is already active, the peak tonight will provide the highest concentration of meteors. Even if you miss the peak, the Orionids will continue to be visible for several more weeks, though at a reduced rate. So, grab a blanket, invite some friends, and prepare to be amazed by this stunning display of cosmic debris from the legendary Halley's Comet. It's a celestial event you won't want to miss!
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Technology