Orionid Meteor Shower
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Orionid Meteor Shower 2005
Click here for a list of the other major meteor showers
When to Observe
2005 Orionid Peak
Maximum activity occurs near October 21. The radiant is well-placed from about 1 or 2am until morning twilight. Unfortunately, the waning gibbous Moon will cause major interference.
Below is an illustration showing the radiant:
courtesy American Meteor Society
Observing Tips
You do not need a telescope to observe a meteor shower. While you can use binoculars to try and catch the faint ones, naked eye observing will give you the widest possible field of view.
- Observe under dark skies - the maximum rate of 10 - 20 meteors per hour is based on observing the shower's peak from a dark location, with the radiant at the zenith (i.e. directly overhead). Since very few people will observe the peak under this very specific condition, a dark location is necessary to maximize the chances of seeing more meteors
- Have a blanket or sleeping bag handy - even though the days may be hot, the overnight temps cool down and an inactive body will get cold
- Sit in a reclining chair or deck chair - even a short 30 minute observing session will put a strain on your neck.
- After midnight, observe about 45 degrees altitude in the Northeast
- Observe just passed the radiant - meteors can occur in any part of the sky but the strongest activity will be close to the radiant.
Meteor Discussion Group
You can join the new Meteor Observing discussion group to ask questions and/or share your experiences. This is a great place to discussions meteors, meteor showers and fireballs.
Background
More information on the Orionid Meteor shower from the Gary Kronk's Meteor and Comet pages
