Orionids Meteor Shower 2016: When is it happening and how to watch it if you’re in London
Look out – the Orionids Meteor Shower peaks tonight.
The shower is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, and is set to light up the sky by producing up to 25 shooting stars an hour tonight.
This event is set to be a spectacle and one not to be missed. Here’s what you need to know, to ensure you don’t miss the moment that will light up the sky.
When is it
Halley's Comet has not been fully visible from Earth since 1986, but Earth passes through its orbit twice a year. This in turn causes the Orionid Meteor Shower which is one of two meteor showers created by remaining chunks from Halley's Comet. The other is the Eta Aquarids which was witnessed in early May this year.
Dust from Halley's Comet is active throughout the month, but is expected to be most visible from tomorrow, 20 October, right through to the weekend. The best time to watch the shower is between midnight and dawn, when the sky is at its darkest.
Where can you see it
The Amazing Meteor Show(er) should be visible across many parts of the country, as long as the weather is on our side. Light-polluted city skies will make it harder to see, so make your way to the countryside if you can.
How to watch
You should be able to spot the shower with the naked eye, no need to to invest in a telescope, so keep your eyes peeled.
Skygazers should find a spot away from bright lights before darkness falls, in order to let their eyes adjust to the dark first. To ensure you don't miss out as the stars fall, lying down and looking straight up at the sky is advised.
Showers are known to be particularly fast, and travel at around 41 miles per second, leaving behind a long trail.
Not around for this week to watch the shower? No need to fret, we have some dates for your diary. The Leonid meteor shower is coming up in November and is best seen on the 17th and 18th.
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