Share this @internewscast.com
If you happen to be up bright and early on Wednesday morning, you might be treated to some bright meteors soaring across the sky thanks to the Orionid meteor shower.
While the Orionids zoom across southern skies every October, they’re at their peak early this week on 21 and 22 October.
But while they might bring up to 18 meteors per hour, professor Jonti Horner, astronomer at the University of Southern Queensland, said they’re the “fourth best” meteor shower of the year.
“I view it as a nice warming up,” he told SBS News.

The year’s most spectacular meteor shower is set to grace the December skies, offering stargazers a celestial treat.

“This is one which, if you happen to be up at the early hours of the morning, will add a bit of value while you have your morning coffee,” Horner said.

Prepare to witness a dazzling display as fragments from Halley’s Comet light up the night. Known as the most iconic comet in our solar system, Halley’s Comet has been on its current orbit for thousands, if not tens of thousands, of years.

As we move into the peak of this event, expect a surge in meteor activity as Earth passes through the densest patch of cometary dust.

You can watch the Orionids meteor shower from 2 October up until 7 November, but it’ll be at its peak in the early morning of Wednesday 22 October.
“It’s best viewed between 3am and 5am [AEDT],” Horner said.

Listen to: “Space Monster: Gas-guzzling Rogue Planet Eats All in Its Path”

“Every time it goes around the sun every six or seven years, it dumps a lot of dust and debris into the solar system,” Horner said.

Those are the meteors you’ll see over the month, he said, but we’re now entering the “densest bit of dust”, which translates to more meteors.

What can I expect to see?

That all depends on where you’re located in Australia.
“The further north you are in Australia, the better show you’ll get,” Horner said.
“The further south in Australia you go … you’ll see fewer meteors per hour than you would from somewhere further north.”
Those in Darwin could expect to see close to 18 meteors an hour at the shower’s peak.

But down south in Hobart, you might see closer to 12 each hour.

But regardless of where you are in the country, if you’ve got the right conditions and you stay out long enough, you can expect to see between 10 and 15 meteors in one hour.

‘A warm-up’ for December’s show

But Horner is quick to emphasise stargazers wanting to save their energy should wait until the end of the yea.
“We have the Geminids in December, which are an order of magnitude better than this. They’re the best shower of the year.”
He said while the Orionids might bring 10 to 15 meteors an hour, the Geminids showcase closer to 50.
“The Orionids are a good show, but it’s not the best of the year. I don’t want people going out expecting to see hundreds and then being disappointed,” he said.
The Geminids will peak on 14 and 15 December.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cancer Council kids sunscreen recalled after causing 'inadequate' protection

Children’s Sunscreen Recalled for Falling Short on Protection Standards

The Cancer Council has issued a recall for its clear zinc kids…

Shocking Revelation: Joshua Dale Brown Faces 83 New Charges in Childcare Abuse Case

This article contains references to child abuse. A former childcare worker whose…
A man has allegedly been shot in Eungella.

Manhunt Underway Following Fatal Shooting and Two Injuries in North-East NSW

A manhunt is underway following a tragic shooting that left one man…

One Year After Assad’s Fall: How Life Remains Unchanged for Australians Stranded in Syria

A year since Syria’s regime was toppled by rebels, there’s been social…
AFR 15 Minutes with Grant Hackett Thursday 27th March 2025

At 20, Grant Hackett Reached the Pinnacle of Success – Here’s What He Wishes He Knew Then

Exclusive Insight: In this engaging series by nine.com.au, we delve into the…
He loves to hammer 'Sleepy Joe'. He's turning into 'Sleepy Don'

From ‘Sleepy Joe’ Critic to ‘Sleepy Don’: A Surprising Political Shift

At the start of a cabinet meeting just after midday on Tuesday…
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: Reality television star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian attends a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on April 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. The meeting included four of the sixteen people who had been convicted of non-violent drug offenses in the past and received clemency from President Joe Biden earlier this week. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Medical Experts Warn: Be Wary of Health Advice from Social Media Influencers

Specialists are urging tighter control over the dissemination of possibly misleading medical…
Car theft charges against Bruce Lehrmann have been downgraded.

Bruce Lehrmann Faces Reduced Charges in Tasmanian Vehicle Incident

Car theft charges have been downgraded in a case against Bruce Lehrmann,…

Unveiling the Hidden Truths: Insights from 16,000 Australians on the Realities of Remote Work

The ability and option to work from home has become a necessity…
New South Wales,  Australia, April 24, 2024-Police take Breath Tests for alcohol and other drugs for drivers during the long weekend

The State Implementing Year-Round Double Demerit Penalties

As the festive season approaches, the implementation of double demerits is set…
A skating rink was built around a statue honouring Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti. This file photo is from last month.

Outrage Erupts in Italy as Pavarotti Statue Frozen in Skating Rink Controversy

Italian officials have found themselves in a slippery situation following the installation…
Epstein Island

Exclusive: Never-Before-Seen Images of Jeffrey Epstein’s Mysterious Private Island Uncovered

Warning: This article contains potentially distressing content for some readers. Pictures of…