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Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks Oct. 21–23 Under New-Moon Skies

Debris from Halley’s Comet could produce 10–20 meteors per hour for early-morning observers at dark locations.

Overview

  • The American Meteor Society forecasts the maximum for the predawn hours on Oct. 21–23, with the radiant rising after about 10 p.m. and best viewing from roughly 1 a.m. to dawn.
  • A new moon on Oct. 21 removes lunar glare for unusually dark conditions, though clouds and urban light pollution remain the biggest obstacles.
  • Expect fast streaks that can leave persistent trains and occasional bright fireballs, with meteors visible across the sky rather than only near Orion.
  • Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) reach close approach around the same dates and may be seen with binoculars from dark sites.
  • NOAA notes aurora are possible in northern U.S. states and Canada during this period, offering added skywatching opportunities if skies are clear.