Orionid meteors ready to shower

William Atkins
Tuesday, 21 October 2008 19:54

Science - Space

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.