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TONIGHT will begin the peak night to watch the Orionids meteor shower, starting from the 20th to the 22nd of October. Actually, it will technically be Friday morning– but you get the drift! The waxing gibbous moon will be out the during the evening hours, but it will set before the prime time viewing hours.
Halley’s comet is actually to blame for this series of meteor showers as it is a reflection of the debris that it has kicked up– you can best view the Orionids by looking towards the Orion constellation.
Maximum meteors: around 20 meteors per hour.
Velocity: 41 miles/sec
When: As usual: The best time to see ANY meteor shower is the hour or two before dawn. Try between midnight-2am for some great results without losing *too* much sleep! You may also be able to catch some of these beforehand as spectacular “Earth Grazers”, beginning at about midnight.
Where: If you can, get as high up as possible to sit above the light and air pollution to get the best sights. I personally prefer Top Of The World in Laguna Beach.
Editor’s note: If you snap a great picture of the meteor shower– please send it in!
