How to Watch the Orionid Meteor Shower and Where to Spot It

Mar. 15, 2025

Orionids meteor shower.Photo:VCG/VCG via Getty

VCG/VCG via Getty

Skygazers will have a chance to catch theOrionid meteor showeras it reaches peak visibly this weekend.

The Orionid meteor shower is made up of pieces of space debris from the famous Halley’s Comet and passes Earth every October.

Halley’s comet takes approximately 76 years to go around the sun. It was last visible from Earth in 1986, which means it won’t be visible again until 2061, according toNASA.

While we’ll have to wait longer for Halley’s comet to return, we can still enjoy its beauty from the Orionid meteor shower.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Orionid meteor shower, including where it will be visible and how to watch it.

When will the Orionid meteor shower be visible?

Orionids meteor shower.Yuri SmityukTASS via Getty

Yuri SmityukTASS via Getty

The Orionid meteor shower will reach peak visibility in the sky this weekend between Oct. 20 and Oct 21. PerNASA’s recommendation, the best time to view the meteor shower is during the peak visibility, after midnight.

Where will the Orionid meteor shower be visible?

Orionids meteor shower over Russia.Yuri Smityuk/TASS/Getty

The Orionid meteor shower will be visible in the Northern and Southern hemispheres — meaning that countries in Africa, Asia, North America, Australia and South America will have front-row seats to the most beautiful meteor shower of the year.

How do you watch the Orionid meteor shower?

Orionids meteor shower.Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty

Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty

While you won’t need any special equipment to view the Orionid meteor shower,NASArecommends going to an area that’s away from the city and street lights and to “come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.”

For the best view, scientists also share that it’s best to “lie flat on your back with your feet facing southeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or northeast if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.” While looking up at the night sky, your eyes may take up to 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness, so it’s important to be patient. You won’t miss this celestial event since it usually lasts until dawn.

When will the Orionid meteor shower be visible again?

The Orionids meteor shower over the Jampayang mountain in China.Getty

Getty

If you end up missing the Orionid meteor shower this year, there’s no need to stress out! This radiant phenomenon takes place every year around mid-October so you will be able to catch it again next year!

source: people.com