Orionid Meteor Shower Peak

Its that time of year, folks! The Orionid meteor shower peak is nearly upon us!

Earth-Sky Linky-Pooh

We have some moon to contend with, but the after-midnight / early morning (pre-dawn) hours of Oct. 21-22 will be the peak of the annual Orionid meteor shower.

The Orionid shower happens annually when Earth passes thru the debris trail of Halley's comet (next returning in 2061.)

The Orionids are not the brightest, not most prolific, however, they are very FAST moving, at 41 miles per second, often leaving trails of ionoized gas that can last a few seconds.

Meteor showers always have a "radiant" point, where they appear to originate in the sky, but they don't always stick to that. However, the radiant is a good focal point as your "best bet" to catch them.




Of course, patience, and as dark a place as possible is your best bet. Avoid looking at any sources of light, including the moon, as mich as possible. It can help to close your eyes for a bit once you're in your viewing position.

Not the right way to do it, but I once had my eyes dilated with drops from an eye doc friend for night sky viewing and it was simply amazing! Closing your eyes and adjusting to the dark is a less extreme, yet still very effective means of improving what you'll be able to see.

Hoping for clear skies everywhere - happy viewing!

awesome!

when will we be able see Hailey's comet??

a reply to: vnski

Halley's comet currently lies beyond Neptune's orbit. It's closing in on its aphelion (furthest point from the sun.) We will next have naked-eye viewing of it in 2061. The 2061 viewing is expected to be even better than the last, in 1986, due to the positions of the comet and Earth in respect to the sun.

thank u

Star and Flag while I wait.

there any non-psych herbal that help dilate iris or night vision?

carrot??

Thanks for the reminder! Will definitely be prepared to check this out tonight.

a reply to: vnski

Being in love (or lust) may help lol Bedroom Eyes

Otherwise, no, not that I'm aware of. Natural dilation by avoiding light sources is all you really need. And those eyedrops are not available except by prescription / ophthalmologist use.

Ooo a chance to take some pics *checks weather* ... yup typical UK weather .. cloudy.

*puts camera away*

originally posted by: vnski
thank u

Star and Flag while I wait.

there any non-psych herbal that help dilate iris or night vision?

carrot??

Bella donna solution as eye drops. Careful!

Great! Thanks for the heads up.

Also, do not forget this great site to observe the Orionids:

Live Meteors

Where you can detect the shower live, using the radio echo technology they have running. Cool.

Presently, it covers the Eastern U.S.
They even have instructions on how to build your own. Fairly cheaply as well

a reply to: charlyv

Now that's cool! Thanks charlyv!

a reply to: dogstar23

Woke up last night around 1a to the thickest fog I've seen in years. Go figure!