This NASA sky map shows morning sky, viewed facing southeast, the location of the Orionid meteor shower created by leftovers from Halley’s Comet.
CREDIT: NASA
Originally published Oct. 18 at 1:07 p.m.
If you don’t know how to read the night sky, or if you’re unsure of what direction southeast is, this may be a good time to get a compass or inquire about it from someone in the know prior to the weekend.
If you’ve never seen a meteor shower, this weekend may be your best chance.
Experts at NASA are expecting the clear skies to give viewers a perfect opportunity to see dozens of meteors per hour
“The Orionid meteor shower will reach its zenith overnight from Saturday to Sunday as Earth plows through debris shed by Halley’s Comet on its path around the sun. The most impressive display should come a few hours before dawn Sunday, when our planet hits the densest patch of Halley’s detritus,” researchers said.
The best show will be in the pre-dawn hours with as many as 60 meteors per hour. Sunrise is at 7:15 a.m. on Sunday, so you don’t have to search the skies at 3 or 4 a.m. — 5:30 or 6 a.m., even later may be fine.
According to NASA, Halley’s Comet returns to the inner solar system every 75 or 76 years, and it’s bright enough to be seen by the naked eye. The comet’s last appearance in our skies came in 1986, and the next is due in 2061.
FACT: In 1705, English astronomer Edmond Halley suggested that a comet spotted 1682 was the same one that lit up the sky in both 1531 and 1607. He further predicted it would be back in 1758. When this last appearance did in fact come to pass, the comet was given Halley’s name. (Source – NASA)
Where would you go to see the meteor shower?
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