Orionid meteor shower 2023: What is it and how can I see it?

Image source, Luis Argerich/NASA

Image caption, This streak from the Orionids was taken from the Mercedes Observatory, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The dome of yellowish light is light pollution from the big city of Buenos Aires about 100km away

One of nature's biggest firework displays - the Orionid meteor shower - will be at its peak this weekend.

Nasa describes the space-show as "one of the most beautiful meteor showers of the year".

With around 25 meteors zooming through the skies each hour, at speeds of 148,000 miles per hour, the Orionids are said to be one of the most impressive events in the sky's calendar.

In 2023, the Orionid meteor shower will last from 2 October until 7 November, peaking between midnight on Saturday, 21 October and sunrise.

What we'll be able to see in the sky will be weather dependent, but if you miss the shower at its peak, it'll continue over the coming days so you should get a glimpse of a shooting star or two!

What causes the Orionid meteor shower?

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Can you spot the shooting star? This photo was taken during the Orionid meteor shower in China

The Orionid meteor shower happens around 60 miles up in space.

The visible trails are clumps of debris left behind by the famous Halley's Comet as it follows its orbit around the sun.

The comet is only seen from Earth about once every 75 years - the next time is thought to be around the year 2062, so don't worry, you haven't missed it recently!

Image source, Digital Vision.

Image caption, The meteors that form the Orionids are leftovers from Halley's Comet. The comet was last visible from Earth in 1986 and won't return until 2061!

Looking to the sky from Earth, the meteors appear to come from the direction of the Orion constellation (three bright stars in a row), which is how they got their name.

When space rocks hit the Moon, they make craters, but when they collide with Earth they burn up as they enter the atmosphere, giving them their bright tails.

The Orionids are known to be really fast meteors, travelling at a speed of around 41 miles per second!

How can I see the Orionid Meteor Shower?

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, You can see the Orion constellation in the top-right of this picture taken in Portelet Bay, Jersey

The best place to see the Orionid meteor shower (or any meteor shower for that matter), is somewhere dark, away from light, and with the Moon out of your line of sight.

Try and find a wide open space away from tall buildings or trees, and with as little light as possible - the more of the sky you can see, the better!

The best time to spot the meteors is between midnight and sunrise on the morning of 21 October, so you're either going to have to go to bed really late or wake up really early to get the best view.

You should be able to see Orionids with the naked eye, but a pair of binoculars might also help you out.

Top tips for budding stargazers

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, You won't need a telescope like this to see the Orionid Meteor Shower - you should be able to see it with the naked eye

Good luck, meteor spotters!