Orionid meteor shower 2025: Peak viewing times, how to see them

Sky-gazers around the globe will see a spectacular celestial display this week as the Orionid meteor shower lights up the sky in the bright trails of light.

This meter shower is considered one of the most beautiful showers for its bright, fast-moving meteors that can sometimes produce stunning fireballs.

According to EarthSky, the meteor shower- which is occasionally known to produce fireballs- is set to peak at 8p.m.

The fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, Robert Lunsford, said, “Head on out the next night, next couple nights even and you’ll see almost the same activity.”

The Old Farmer’s Almanac said that this year the Orionids peak at the same time as a new moon, so the bright meteors won't be competing with moonlight.

It has been observed that under clear weather conditions, sky gazers can expect to see 10 to 20 meteors per hour.

The Orionid meteors burgeon from the Orion constellation, while the Taurids, which are much slower, emanate from the West in Taurus “It’s kind of like they're doing battle.”

Lunsford further said, “Slow meteors are shooting eastward toward Orion, and fast ones are shooting westward toward Taurus.”

Stargazers should look toward the southern sky for the best viewing and plan to be outside at around 10 p.m. Monday night or 4 to 5 a.m. Tuesday morning in their local time.

Where do Orionids come from

The Orionids meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through debris left over from comet 1P/Halley.

The orbit of Helley’s comet actually crosses Earth’s path twice annually which results in two yearly showers: the Eta Aquariids in early May and the Orionids in October.