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The Orionids are active, but clear skies will matter for UK viewers looking on Friday. The shower peaks later this month.
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The Orionid meteor shower is active until 7 November and is expected to peak overnight on 21–22 October. BBC Weather says that, under ideal conditions, around 10 to 20 meteors an hour could be visible at the peak. [1]
For anyone looking on Friday evening, 2 October, BBC Weather forecasts the best UK viewing prospects in southern and eastern England, where longer clear spells are likely. Cloud and rain may make sightings harder in Wales, the Midlands and northern England, while Scotland and Northern Ireland could have clear intervals between showers. [1]
The Orionids appear each year as Earth passes through debris left by Halley’s Comet. They seem to radiate from the constellation Orion, but meteors can appear anywhere across the sky. BBC Weather recommends finding a dark place with a wide view, allowing 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust, and watching without binoculars or a telescope. [1]
Moonlight could make fainter meteors harder to see around the 21–22 October peak as the Moon approaches its full phase on 26 October, although brighter streaks should still be visible from dark locations. [1]
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