Overview: Orionids Spotlight on October 21
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) invites sky lovers to witness the spectacular Orionids meteor shower on the night of October 21. This annual event is linked to Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley), which leaves behind a trail of icy dust that Earth travels through each year. While the Orionids occur from October 2 to November 7, the peak activity for 2024 is expected to unfold during the night of October 21 into the early hours of October 22.
When and Where to Look
Observers can begin spotting meteors from around 10:30 PM local time. The Orionids typically appear first along the eastern arm of the Orion constellation before sweeping upward as the night progresses. For those hoping to maximize visibility, the best window is after midnight, when Orion sits high in the sky and the meteor shower lights up the heavens across much of the sky.
How Many Meteors to Expect
Even though the rate is modest—roughly 20 meteors per hour—the Orionids are notable for their speed and brightness. A dark location with minimal light pollution will make the meteor streaks more conspicuous, helping viewers catch several bright and long-lasting fireballs as Earth passes through denser pockets of debris.
Tips for a Great Orionids Watching Experience
To optimize your viewing, NARIT recommends the following:
- Choose a dark, open area well away from artificial lights.
- Allow about 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
- A comfortable lawn chair or blanket helps you stay for hours without fatigue.
- Bring warm clothing, a thermos, and a red-filtered flashlight to preserve night vision.
- Look away from the radiant point in Orion and scan roughly 45 to 90 degrees away from it. Meteors appear longer and more spectacular in those areas.
What Causes the Orionids?
The Orionids arise because Earth travels through the debris stream shed by Halley’s Comet during its long orbit around the Sun. Each particle—some as tiny as a grain of sand—sizzles as it hits Earth’s atmosphere, producing bright meteor trails that streak across the sky before burning up. The radiant point, from which the meteors seem to originate, sits in the direction of Orion, hence the name Orionids.
Finding Orion in the Sky
To locate Orion, start with its recognizable belt of three bright stars in a straight line. Once you identify the belt, you don’t need to focus your gaze there; the meteors can appear in a wide swath of sky around the radiant. If you’re new to stargazing, patience and a wide-field view will help you catch several memorable Orionids meteors during the peak night.
What to Expect in Thailand
NARIT notes that clear, dark skies will be crucial for the best Orionids experience in Thailand. If weather or light pollution indoors are a concern, consider a rural or coastal area with unobstructed horizons and minimal artificial lighting to maximize meteor visibility.
Why This Event Matters
Annual meteor showers like the Orionids offer an accessible gateway to astronomy for enthusiasts of all levels. They remind us of the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our solar system and the science behind how tiny cosmic particles create spectacular night skies when they meet Earth’s atmosphere.
Want to Share Your Experience?
If you’re watching the Orionids, share your stargazing moments with us and NARIT on social media using relevant tags. Clear skies and happy viewing from Thailand.
