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Do not forget to take a look this month!
Have you missed the Perseid meteor shower this year? Well, do not worry, the sky will soon host another breathtaking phenomenon. This is true. The Orionid meteor shower is expected this month.
Although the Perseids and Orionids are meteor showers, they are two completely different and distinct events. Although the Orionid meteor shower may not be as bright or as proud as Perseides' shower, it's just as incredible and special in its own way. And there are only a few specific nights in the entire year where you can really catch its shine, so you do not want to lose your chance to see this rare event.
So, let's get to the good part then. How can you see the Orionid meteor shower? And when and where will this happen? Here's all the information you need to know about the Orionid 2018 meteor shower.
What is the Orionid meteor shower?
The Orionid meteor shower is created from pieces of the great comet Halley, which is the most famous comet of all time. Each year, the comet leaves particles as it traverses the space, which eventually reaches the Earth's atmosphere and becomes known as the Orionid meteor shower.
And the name "Orionid" was not chosen because it seems exotic and cool (although it can not be said as much.) The name of the event was chosen for the point in the sky where showers surface, which happens to be in the direction of the constellation of Orion the hunter.
Anecdote: The Orionids made their debut in 1839 after being seen in the Connecticut skies. However, comet Halley's observations have already been recorded at 240 BC. and the last visit of the comet goes back to 1986. You do not however need to mark your calendars for its next visit. This will not happen before 2061. But until then you will still be able to enjoy the comet's pieces by taking the Orionids.
When is the 2018 Orionid shower?
Halloween is not the only major event that takes place in October. The Orionides are also appearing this month. You will have to set your alarm for this one, because the peak of visibility to see this phenomenon is October 21st and 22nd at 2 o'clock in the morning.
If it is a little too late for your astronomy to be activated, some parts of the Orionids will be visible each night from October 15 to 29, provided the moon does not interfere with meteor observation. However, on the 21st and 22nd around 2 a. m. are the best dates and times to see the shower.
Where and how can you see the Orionids?
Burn quickly and well, Orionides. Well, some do it at least. An Orionid can travel at a maximum speed of 150,000 km / h. It is sometimes difficult to look at it in no time. However, in a perfect night sky, it is possible to see up to 25 meteors per hour. In a case like this, the radiation from the shower should appear directly above your head. Orionids do not have a particular location. They can be viewed anywhere. The point of origin of the shower is close to Orion's sword.
It is important to remember that you should never look directly at the radiation or the area of origin. Meteors near this place are always the hardest to see. Therefore, looking further away from the radiation will give more chances to see the showers. It's also great for going to see the show a little early, so your eyes can adapt to the dark sky. And leave binoculars and telescopes at home. These are not necessary to see the Orionids. And a note for city dwellers – it's better to get out of the city, because the lights will only make it more difficult to see this event.
Now that you have everything you need to see the amazing Orionid meteor shower, all you have left is to rendezvous with the night sky this month so you do not miss nothing. After all, you realize a quality child's dream by seeing a shooting star.
Sloane Solomon is a YourTango editor and editor that covers pop culture, lifestyle topics, and love and relationships.
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