{
  "id": 15171313,
  "title": "The Orionid meteor shower peaks next week! Here's what to expect",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/the-orionid-meteor-shower-peaks-next-week-heres-what-to-expect",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-17T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/stargazing/meteor-showers/the-orionid-meteor-shower-peaks-oct-21-22-2026-heres-what-to-expect"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Orionid meteor shower will reach its peak overnight on October 21-22, creating a stunning display of shooting stars as Earth passes through the debris trail left behind by Halley's Comet. To maximize your chances of viewing the meteor shower, plan to be outdoors between midnight and dawn on October 22. Under perfect dark-sky conditions, you can expect to see 10-20 meteors per hour. However, the moon will be 74% illuminated, posing a challenge to view the fainter meteors. Fortunately, the moon will set a few hours after midnight, providing an extended window of dark skies to enjoy the full meteor shower.\n\nTo locate the Orionid meteors, focus your gaze on the constellation Orion. The meteors will appear to radiate from a region near the red giant star Betelgeuse, which will be situated above the southeastern horizon for stargazers in the U.S. during the early hours of October 22. For optimal viewing, look approximately 40-90 degrees away from the radiant point, where the meteor trails will be at their longest. Make sure to leave behind urban areas with artificial lights and allow your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best experience.\n\nThe Orionid meteor shower originates from the comet 1P/ Halley, which was observed by various spacecraft during its last visit to the inner solar system in 1986. As Earth traverses the comet's debris stream, small particles enter our atmosphere at a velocity of 147,600 miles per hour (237,539 kilometers per hour). These particles then burn up, producing the spectacular display of shooting stars. If you're eager to capture the Orionids on camera, consider consulting a guide to photographing meteor showers, along with recommendations for the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.",
  "summary": "The Orionid meteor shower peaks overnight on Oct. 21-22, bringing a spectacular display of shooting stars to the autumn sky.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Space.com",
        "title": "How to see the Orionid meteor shower 2026 peak this week — and when to look",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/how-to-see-the-orionid-meteor-shower-2026-peak-this-week-and-when-to",
        "published": "2026-10-16T18:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}