The peak of the annual Orionid meteor shower has now passed, but you might see some meteors still from this shower if you’re looking in a dark country sky. That’s because Earth is still moving through the orbit of Comet Halley, which last returned near Earth in 1986 and which is due to return again in 2061. This comet spawned this annual meteor shower by leaving bits of dusty debris behind in its orbit. Each year when we intersect the orbit of Comet Halley, we see the Orionid meteor shower!
Thanks to all who posted photos of this year’s shower at EarthSky Facebook!
Like what you read?
Subscribe and receive daily news delivered to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
More from
Deborah Byrd
View All
Happy May Day! Today is an astronomy holiday
May 1, 2024
Why do we celebrate Earth Day on April 22?
April 21, 2024
Why does the moon seem to follow me when I’m in a car?
April 19, 2024
Kochab and Pherkad: Outer bowl stars of the Little Dipper
April 18, 2024