October 2 – November 7 · Orion
Orionids
Bright autumn meteors from Halley
See the Orionids from your location
See the exact local peak time and how high the radiant climbs from where you are.
What is the Orionids meteor shower?
Fast, bright meteors from Halley's Comet, radiating from near Orion's raised club. A dependable autumn shower visible from both hemispheres, with occasional fireballs.
When do the Orionids peak in 2026?
The Orionids peak on the night of October 21, 2026. Under ideal dark skies with the radiant high overhead they can produce up to 20 meteors an hour — the number you'll actually see depends on your latitude, the moon, and how dark your sky is.
Orionids at a glance
Where the Orionids come from
The Orionids are debris shed by 1P/Halley, a comet. Each year the Earth ploughs through this ancient trail of dust and the specks burn up in our atmosphere as meteors.
How to watch the Orionids
Get away from city lights
Light pollution is the enemy. A dark rural sky can turn a handful of meteors into dozens.
Look up after midnight
Most showers are best between midnight and dawn, when your side of Earth turns to face the debris stream head-on.
Let your eyes adapt
Give your eyes 20 minutes in the dark and put the phone away. Then just watch — meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
Common questions about the Orionids
When do the Orionids peak in 2026?+
The Orionids reach their maximum on the night of October 21, 2026, though a few meteors are visible from October 2 – November 7.
Where should I look to see the Orionids?+
The meteors radiate from the constellation Orion, but they streak across the whole sky — you don't need to find the radiant. Just face the darkest part of your sky and take in as much of it as you can.
Do I need a telescope to watch the Orionids?+
No. Meteor showers are a naked-eye event — a telescope's narrow view would only work against you. All you need is a dark sky, a reclining chair, and some patience.
What causes the Orionids?+
The Orionids happen when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by 1P/Halley. The dust grains hit our atmosphere at 66 km/s and burn up as bright streaks of light.
Other meteor showers
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