Full Breakdown
Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks Oct 21-22, 2026
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Orionid meteor shower peaks overnight on Oct 21 and continues into the early morning of Oct 22, 2026. Active from Oct 2 through Nov 7, the meteors travel at roughly 41 mi s?¹ (?66 km s?¹). Under dark skies observers can see 10-20 meteors per hour; some sources estimate up to 30 per hour at peak.
Background & Context
The Orionids originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet. Each October Earth’s orbit intersects the comet’s dust trail, producing bright streaks that appear to radiate from Orion near Betelgeuse.
Data & Statistics
| Parameter | Reported Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Active period | Oct 2 – Nov 7 | Arabia Weather, Iloveqatar |
| Peak dates | Oct 21 – Oct 22 | Multiple outlets |
| Typical hourly rate | 10-20 meteors | NASA, American Meteor Society |
| Upper-range hourly rate | ~30 meteors | Dr Bashir Marzouq |
| Meteor speed | 41 mi s?¹ (?66 km s?¹) | BBC, The Guardian, NASA |
| Moon illumination | 77 % waxing gibbous | American Meteor Society |
| Moonset (UK) | ~03:00 BST on Oct 22 | BBC |
Official Statements & Responses
- The American Meteor Society notes the moon’s 77 % illumination may wash out fainter meteors but will not prevent brighter fireballs.
- The National Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy conditions with temperatures near 45 °F for New York City during the peak night.
Viewing Tips
- Choose a dark site away from streetlights; desert, rural, or high-altitude locations are recommended.
- Allow 20-30 minutes for eye adaptation.
- After moonset, scan the whole sky rather than focusing solely on Orion’s radiant.
- Bring warm clothing, a blanket or lawn chair, and a hot drink.
- For groups, keep a logbook to record meteor counts.
> “Between 4 am to 5 am under dark skies, you should see about a meteor every 4 to 5 minutes,” — Dr Musgrave
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Moon illumination: The American Meteor Society cites 77 % waxing gibbous, while Wired describes the moon as “approximately three-quarters full.” Both agree a bright moon will reduce visibility of faint meteors.
- Peak hourly rate: Most sources give 10-20 meteors per hour; Dr Bashir Marzouq estimates about 30 per hour. No consensus exists for 2026.
What’s Next
- No further scheduled Orionid events are noted beyond the Oct 21-22 peak. Observers should monitor local weather forecasts and moonset times for their location.