This week sees Earth pass through the debris left by Halley’s comet – and it should be a pretty impressive show.
The Orionids Meteor Shower can see 20 meteors per hour at its peak on the night of Wednesday and Thursday, October 21-22.
The cosmic display of meteors, known and observed from ancient times, is caused by dust grains left by the famous comet.
Halley’s comet has been oscillating itself due to the inner solar system for 76 years, and its last visit was in 1986.
And because comets like Halle are so fragmented that we see annual meteor showers like the Orionids.
NASA said: “The Orionids, which reach their peak in mid-October every year, are among the rainiest of the year.
Orionid meteorites are known for their brightness and speed. These meteorites are fast – traveling at about 148,000 miles per hour (66 km / s) in Earth’s atmosphere.
“Fast meteors can leave glowing“ trains ”(glowing pieces of debris in the aftermath of a meteor) that last for seconds to minutes. Fast meteors can sometimes turn into fireballs.
“Look for long bursts of light when watching the Orionid meteor shower.”
We cross Hallie’s orbit not once, but twice every year. In early May, we see parts of this comet as the annual Eta Aquarium meteor shower.
The mistresses will be best viewed from a dark place, away from artificial lighting, shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
NASA advised: “Find an area very far from city or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.
“Lie on your back with your feet pointing southeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or the Northeast if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, look up, and enjoy as much of the sky as possible.
“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adjust and start seeing meteors. Be patient – the show will continue until dawn, so you have plenty of time to peek.”
