Stargazers have been spoiled this year. Aside from the usual Lyrid and Eta Aquariid meteor showers, we’ve also enjoyed a solar eclipse – which was itself followed by a Perseid meteor shower in what was termed a “cosmic double whammy”.
Now, we’re due for what NASA calls “one of the most beautiful [meteor] showers of the year”: the Orionids.
Here’s what those are, as well as when and where you’ll be able to see them.
What is the Orionid meteor shower?
As with all meteor showers, it’s not that the comets are “shooting” towards us.
The Earth sometimes passes through the debris of comets (in this case, comet Halley) in its journey around the sun. This is also the source of spring’s Eta Aquariid meteor shower.
When some of this space rubble enters our atmosphere, it compresses and superheats the air surrounding it. That leads to a glowing “head” and, sometimes, a streaking “tail” that stargazers will recognise as part of a meteor shower.
Fortunately for those who love the show, the Orionids move particularly quickly (about 41 metres a second). That leaves especially bright, long-lasting tails.
Per NASA, they can sometimes remain visible for several seconds and even minutes.
Not just that, but “the Orionids are also framed by some of the brightest stars in the night sky, which lend a spectacular backdrop for these showy meteors”.
All in all, it’s set to be a pretty stunning display.
When will the Orionid meteor shower start?
It’s set to begin on Thursday 2 October 2026, and is expected to last until about 7 November.
But some periods will be brighter and more beautiful than others.
The shower will “peak” on 21 October, though Royal Museums Greenwich explained, “there is a broad maximum lasting about a week roughly centred on that date”.
Where can I see it?
The less light pollution, the better. If you can get away from the city and other bright locations, do.
The broader the view you have of the sky, the more meteors you might see. High points are therefore a good option.
Expect the best viewing conditions, weather-wise, in southern and eastern parts of England. Though Northern Ireland and Scotland might face showery conditions, the skies should be relatively clear between rainfall, too.
You might “struggle” more in Wales, the Midlands and Northern England, the BBC added, due to a slow-moving cloudy weather front.
How can I see the Orionid meteor shower in 2026?
Go outside in the wee hours and get comfortable. Sleeping bags and outdoor chairs can help to keep you warm, and the darker the sky is, the more visible the meteors can be.
You can see these brilliant meteors with the naked eye – no special equipment is needed.
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