The Orionids: A Dazzling Meteor Shower in Upstate New York

The Orionid meteor shower is set to peak late Tuesday night, October 21st, and into the early hours of Wednesday, October 22nd. With a new moon keeping the sky dark, conditions should be perfect for spotting these shooting stars.

In a typical year, you might see around 20 meteors an hour at the peak, though sometimes there are quick bursts of activity. Recent years have been on the quieter side, but the lack of moonlight this time should make it easier to catch more of them.

For the best experience, head away from city lights and find a clear, open spot. Get comfortable, lie back, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about twenty to thirty minutes.

The meteors appear to originate from the constellation Orion, but you don’t need to locate it; simply keep your eyes on the sky and watch for the flashes of light.

NASA suggests that in the Northern Hemisphere, looking toward the southeast after Orion rises can be beneficial, and activity typically increases after midnight when Earth is facing into the stream of comet debris.

If you’re in Upstate New York, your best chance to see the Orionids will be after midnight when the shower is most active and the sky is darkest.

Bring a blanket or chair, bundle up, and enjoy the view with a warm drink in hand. The best viewing window runs from midnight until dawn, so settle in and enjoy one of nature’s most relaxing nighttime shows.