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Orionid Meteor Shower 2026: Peak times and viewing guide for Halley Comet debris
M
Moneycontrol•18-10-2026, 14:30
Orionid Meteor Shower 2026: Peak times and viewing guide for Halley Comet debris
- •The Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak on the night of October 21 and into the early hours of October 22, 2026, originating from debris left by Halley’s Comet.
- •Observers can expect to see 15 to 20 meteors per hour travelling at speeds of 66 kilometres per second, though a bright Moon may obscure fainter streaks.
- •The shower is visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, including India, with the best viewing window occurring in the hours before dawn.
- •No special equipment like telescopes or binoculars is required; viewers simply need a dark location away from city lights and clear skies.
Key Questions Answered
The 2026 Orionid meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of October 21 and into the early hours of October 22, 2026, with an estimated maximum around 2:30 pm EDT on October 21 (18:30 UTC).
The Orionids occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by Halley's Comet. Tiny particles enter the atmosphere at approximately 66 kilometers per second, creating glowing streaks of light known as shooting stars.
Yes, the shower will be visible from India weather permitting, with the early morning of October 22 offering a promising viewing window particularly after moonset and before sunrise.
