William Atkins
Tuesday, 21 October 2008 19:54
Science -
Space
Page 3 of 3
On the northeastern coast of the United States, the
Cape Cod Times reports that weather should cooperate for a good viewing on the night of October 21, 2008.
It reported on October 20:
“With a fairly clear evening forecast by the National Weather Service, today through early tomorrow may be a good time to cast one’s eyes skyward for the Orionid meteor shower.” [Cape Cod Times: “
Look, up in the sky! An Orionid meteor shower!”]
And, according to SpaceWeather.com (October 20, 2008),
“This morning in the Netherlands, Koen Miskotte witnessed approximately 15 per hour ‘including many bright ones between magnitude +1 and -2,’ he says.” [SpaceWeather.com: “
Orionid Meteors”]
Live counts of the meteors, along with a sky map, is also available on the
SpaceWeather.com.
A history of Halley's Comet appears at Gary Kronk's Cometography: "
1P/Halley."
In addition, a list of meteor showers seen annually on Earth appears on the Wikipedia website "
List of Meteor Showers."
So, enjoy yourselves while watching the Orionids this year, and hopefully you'll have clear skies for the celestial sight.