Orionid Meteor Shower 2013 Peaks On October 21, 22 - PAGASA

This year's Orionid meteor shower will have its peak on October 21 and 22, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Orionid meteor shower (Photo courtesy of Brocken Inaglory)

The annual spectacle generates up to 15 meteors per hour that may be observed at favorable sky condition, PAGASA said. However, due to the presence of a waning bright moon during morning hours, fainter meteors may be outshone, while, the impact of the brighter ones may diminish, it added.

PAGASA further stated that the radiant of the shower will be observed north of Betelgeuse, the brightest star in the constellation Orion, the Mighty Hunter.

About The Meteor Shower

The Orionid meteor shower, also called the Orionids, peaks during mid-October each year and is considered to be one of the most beautiful showers of the year.

Orionid meteors are known for their brightness and for their speed. These meteors are fast -- they travel at about 148,000 mph (66 km/s) into the Earth's atmosphere. Fast meteors can leave glowing "trains" (incandescent bits of debris in the wake of the meteor) that last for several seconds to minutes. Fast meteors can also sometimes become fireballs: Look for prolonged explosions of light when viewing the Orionid meteor shower.

The Orionids are also framed by some of the brightest stars and planets in the night sky, which lend a spectacular backdrop for theses showy meteors.

Viewing Tips From NASA

The Orionids are viewable in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres during the hours after midnight. Find an area well away from city or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing southeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or northeast if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient -- the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.