Overview: Orionids Light Up the Sky Over Thailand
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) is inviting stargazers across the country to witness the spectacular Orionids meteor shower on the night of October 21. This annual celestial event is associated with Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley) and offers a breathtaking display as tiny ice and dust particles burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, creating bright streaks across the night sky.
When to Look and What to Expect
The Orionids occur every year from October 2 to November 7, but the peak this year will be on the night of October 21 into the early hours of October 22. Observers can start spotting meteors from about 10:30 PM local time. The shower will first become visible near the eastern arm of the Orion constellation and gradually move higher across the sky, remaining visible until dawn.
According to NARIT, you can expect roughly 20 shooting stars per hour under good observing conditions. While this might sound modest, the Orionids are known for their bright, fast streaks that can be seen even from areas with light pollution, provided you give the sky enough darkness and time for your eyes to adjust.
Best Time and Positioning for Viewing
NARIT notes that the best viewing time is after midnight, when the Orion constellation sits higher in the sky and the meteor showers cross a broad swath of the night. To maximize your chances of a spectacular show, look up and away from the radiant point, roughly 45 to 90 degrees from Orion. This is where the meteors appear longer and more dramatic as they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
For Orion itself, locate the three bright belt stars—known as Orion’s Belt—and use them as a reference to find the radiant area from which the meteors seem to originate. You don’t need to stare directly at Orion; the best meteors will streak across a wide portion of the sky far from the radiant point.
Why Do Orionids Happen?
The Orionids are formed as Earth passes through the debris trail left by Halley’s Comet along its orbit. The tiny particles, some only sand-grain in size, collide with Earth’s atmosphere and vaporize, creating the familiar meteor streaks that herald the shower. The event is a long-running reminder of how comets shed material that becomes new light shows for future generations of stargazers.
Tips for a Successful Viewing Session
- Find a dark site away from city lights. Darkness is the most important ingredient for a clear Orionids display.
- Give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adapt to the darkness; avoid looking at bright screens during this time.
- Dress warmly and bring a comfortable chair or blanket for a relaxed watch sustained through the early morning hours.
- Check local weather and moon phases; a new or crescent moon will reduce sky brightness, helping you see fainter meteors.
- Be patient—while 20 meteors per hour is a good baseline, occasional meteor “outbursts” can occur depending on debris density in the dust trail.
Where to Watch in Thailand
NARIT encourages observers across Thailand to seek local parks, open fields, or hilltops with clear horizons and minimal artificial light. Even in smaller towns, dedicated stargazing spots can offer a rewarding view of the Orionids if skies are clear and conditions are dark enough.
What to Expect After Midnight
As Orion climbs higher in the sky, you’ll likely see a steady stream of meteors crossing different portions of the sky. The meteors appear to originate from Orion, the radiant, but you don’t need to stare at that constellation directly. Instead, scan a broad arc of the sky to catch the longest, brightest streaks as they blaze across the night.
Closing Note from NARIT
NARIT reminds everyone that stargazing is both a science and a peaceful way to connect with the cosmos. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or a curious beginner, October 21 promises a memorable Orionids shower—an approachable reminder of Halley’s Comet’s enduring legacy in our skies.
