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If you've ever fancied witnessing a meteor shower, tonight (October 21) could be your golden opportunity. This week sees the climax of the annual Orionid meteor shower, often simply referred to as the Orionids. The celestial event spans roughly a month, this year occurring between October 2 and November 7, but it's on October 21-22 that the meteor shower is expected to reach its peak, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich website.
For those keen on seeing the sky illuminated by fragments of Halley's Comet, an engineer named Chloe has all the details you need for the best chance of viewing the spectacle. In a TikTok video, Chloe emphasised that you "absolutely don't need a telescope" to spot the meteors, making them accessible to all.
She explained: "This week, science is putting on a truly magical show, so let's talk about what it is and how you can watch it.
"Every October, Earth passes through a dusty trail left by Halley's Comet. Those dust grains are tiny, some of them smaller than a grain of sand, but they hit our atmosphere at 150,000 miles an hour. When they do, they burn up, creating bright streaks of light that we call meteors."
"Each flash is friction, heat, and chemistry at work - physics made visible. You're watching dust older than humanity flare out in a heartbeat, and it's a moment where the laws of motion become poetry."
When to watch the Orionid meteor shower
If you were fortunate enough to witness the Orionids in the early hours of Tuesday (October 21) morning, as Chloe suggested they would be visible before dawn, between 3am and 5am.
However, if you didn't manage to rise that early this morning, there's another opportunity tonight. The Orionids are expected to be visible once again between midnight and dawn tonight - or the early hours of Wednesday (22nd October) morning.
Chloe further explained: "The radiance, that's where the meteors appear to come from, rises in the constellation of Orion just after midnight. And here's the best part - the moon is new, so the skies will be beautifully dark and perfect for meteor watching.
"So, if you're in the UK, here's how to get the best view. Try to find somewhere with really low levels of light pollution. Face south or southeast, as that's where Orion climbs. Go out after midnight but before dawn - around 3-5am is prime time - and then get yourself comfortable, as you'll need to let your eyes adjust [to the dark] for around 20 minutes.
"You could see up to 20 meteors an hour under dark skies. Maybe fewer in cities, but even one bright streak feels unforgettable. So, if it's clear where you are, look up. You'll see pieces of Halley's Comet burning through our autumn sky one spark at a time. And that's a pretty magical kind of science."
How can I watch the Orionid meteor shower?
The Royal Museums Greenwich website suggests that the meteor shower can be viewed without a telescope or binoculars, making it easier to spot the lights as you don't have to focus on one specific area. However, they caution that like many areas of astronomy, hunting for meteors is a "waiting game."
This implies that you'll want to bring a comfortable chair outside and dress warmly, as you could be sat in the cold for a considerable time before you see anything.
They noted: "In 2025 the Moon will be new on 21 October, coinciding with the shower's peak lasting a week around 22 October, meaning the skies will be nice and dark to spot the best of the Orionids."
So where is the optimal place to view the Orionid meteor shower?
The Orionids can be seen from all parts of the sky, so there's no need to travel to a specific part of the UK to witness them. However, it's crucial to be in an area with minimal light pollution.
This means locations such as woodland areas or other rural spots that aren't heavily lit by street lights are ideal.