How to see the Orionid meteor shower 2026 peak this week — and when to look
The Orionids peak around Oct. 21. Here's when and where to look for the best chance of spotting meteors.
The Orionid meteor shower is set to peak this week, offering an opportunity for skywatchers to observe the celestial display. This shower, named after the constellation Orion, will be visible between October 21 and 22. To catch the best view, it is recommended to go outside after 2 a.m. when Orion is high in the sky. By around 5 a.m., the meteor shower should be at its most visible.
The Orionid meteors are typically faint, so rural, dark locations away from city lights are ideal for viewing. The moon will not interfere with the show, as it will set shortly after 2 a.m., leaving several hours of dark sky before dawn. These meteors are believed to originate from Halley's Comet, a celestial object that has been visiting our solar system for over 4.6 billion years.
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