The Orionid meteor shower, caused by Halley’s Comet, is set to peak in a few days, providing skygazers with a stunning display of bright and fast meteors. The meteors move at about 148,000 mph and leave behind glowing trails of debris that can last for seconds or minutes. Spectators can expect to see up to 23 meteors per hour at 41 miles per second in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during the peak. To have the best chance of witnessing the meteor shower, observers should look away from the constellation Orion and find an area away from city lights. Viewing tips include lying flat on your back and looking up to take in as much of the sky as possible. The Orionids are visible in all parts of the night sky, not just near the constellation Orion.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets and other space objects. Halley’s Comet, which last appeared in 1986 and won’t be seen again until 2061, sheds debris that becomes the Orionids every October. The comet also produces the Eta Aquarids meteor shower in May. Skygazers are encouraged to enjoy the rare celestial event while looking at the night sky.
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