What are the Orionids and why they appear
The Orionids are a spectacular annual meteor shower tied to Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley). As Earth travels through the comet’s debris stream, tiny particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating bright streaks across the night sky. These shooting stars are a reliable, if modest, display that often rewards observers with dozens of meteors per hour at peak. The Orionids can be seen every year from early October through early November, with the peak typically occurring around October 21, when Earth crosses the densest part of the debris trail.
NARIT’s invitation: a prime night for Thai stargazers
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) is inviting people across Thailand to watch the Orionids on the night of October 21, extending into the early hours of October 22. According to NARIT, the spectacle begins around 10:30 PM, with the first meteors appearing near the eastern arm of the Orion constellation and gradually moving higher across the sky. Observers can expect the shower to continue until dawn, provided the skies stay clear.
Best viewing tips for a memorable Orionids experience
Key to a successful Orionids viewing is finding a dark, unobstructed location away from bright lights. Even with an intensity of roughly 20 meteors per hour at peak, a dark sky dramatically increases visibility and the length of meteor streaks. Here are practical tips to optimize your night:
- Choose a dark site several kilometers from city lights. Turn off or dim nearby lights if you can.
- Observe after midnight, when the Orion constellation rises higher in the sky and the meteor activity is typically more prominent.
- Look away from the radiant point near Orion. For longer, brighter streaks, scan about 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant.
- Dress warmly and bring a reclining chair or blanket to stay comfortable through the late hours.
- Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness—allow 20 to 30 minutes for full night vision.
What observers can expect and how to interpret what you see
Although the Orionids are associated with Orion, it’s not necessary to fix your gaze on the constellation itself. Meteors appear across a wide swath of the sky as Earth travels through the debris field. The shower’s “radiant” point lies in Orion, but parallel meteors streak across various portions of the sky. By keeping your gaze broad and steady, you’ll maximize your chances of catching several bright fireballs during the peak hours.
Practical planning for October 21 in Thailand
NARIT notes that Orionids activity will be observable beginning at 10:30 PM local time on October 21. The best viewing window is after midnight, when Orion sits higher in the sky. Clear, moonless or low-moon evenings enhance visibility, so check the lunar phase and cloud cover ahead of the night. The event is a shared opportunity for families, students, amateur astronomers, and curious stargazers to enjoy a world-class astronomical display from Thailand’s own backyards.
Why this meteor shower matters
Watching the Orionids offers a direct connection to the wider cosmos and to Halley’s Comet, a comet with a multi-century legacy in astronomy. Each year, the Orionids provide a vivid reminder of how Earth interacts with celestial debris left behind by comets. It’s a relatively easy and accessible way to engage with science, inspire curiosity, and celebrate Thailand’s growing interest in astronomy through NARIT’s guidance and programming.
Bottom line
Mark your calendar for October 21, head to a dark location after midnight, and let the Orionids light up the Thai night sky. With patient watching and a bit of luck, you’ll witness a memorable meteor shower that connects you with a cosmic history dating back to Halley’s Comet.
