{
  "id": 15883976,
  "title": "Orionid meteor shower peaks tonight: Here's the best time to spot shooting stars",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/orionid-meteor-shower-peaks-tonight-heres-the-best-time-to-spot",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-21T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/stargazing/meteor-showers/orionid-meteor-shower-peaks-oct-21-22-2026-heres-the-best-time-to-spot-shooting-stars"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak this evening, October 21-22, as tiny fragments from Halley's Comet enter Earth's atmosphere, leaving vivid streaks across the autumn sky. However, the light from the waning gibbous moon may dim the display slightly. The shower peaks when Earth traverses the comet's dense debris trail. Under ideal dark conditions, 10 to 20 shooting stars could be seen each hour, according to NASA. Look for them radiating from near the red star Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion, rising above the eastern horizon an hour before midnight for U.S. viewers. The best time to witness the meteors is before dawn on October 22, when the moon has set and the radiant reaches its peak height. To improve your chances, avoid looking directly at the radiant and give your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Stay away from city lights and ensure someone knows your whereabouts if you venture into remote areas for the show. Use a red light to preserve night vision and share your photos with Space.com at spacephotos@space.com.",
  "summary": "The Orionid meteor shower peaks tonight (Oct. 21-22) in the light of a waxing moon. Here's what to expect from one of Autumn's greatest natural light shows.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}