Brief
Orionid meteor shower peaks Oct. 21‑22 amid bright waxing gibbous moon
The 2026 Orionid peak coincides with an 80%‑illuminated moon, reducing the number of meteors visible to casual observers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Orionid meteor shower reaches its maximum overnight on Oct. 21‑22, 2026, but a bright waxing gibbous moon will dominate the sky, making the display harder to see, Space.com reported.
What happened
The Orionids are active from Oct. 2 through Nov. 7, with the 2026 peak expected overnight on Oct. 21‑22. The meteors originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet, which the Earth encounters each year. Particles strike the atmosphere at roughly 41 miles (66 kilometers) per second, producing fast meteors that appear to radiate from the constellation Orion.
What the reports add
Space.com notes that the International Meteor Organization estimates a zenithal hourly rate of 20 or more meteors per hour under ideal dark‑sky conditions. However, the article emphasizes that this rate assumes an excellent dark sky, a well‑placed radiant and no moonlight. The 2026 peak will be affected by a first‑quarter moon on Oct. 18 that will wax to about 80% illumination by Oct. 21, setting around 03:00 a.m. local time across Europe and North America on Oct. 22. The moon’s brightness will significantly reduce the number of meteors visible to casual observers.
What was said
The author of the Space.com piece explains, "That doesn't make the Orionids unobservable. In fact, there is a narrow window when the night sky will be free from moonlight. But it does make me far less inclined to sacrifice an entire night for them," attributing the sentiment to personal experience.
How it came about
Previous Felo News coverage highlighted the Draconids meteor shower peak on Oct. 9, 2026, offering viewing advice for UK observers. That article (see Draconids meteor shower peaks Oct 9 with modest display in the UK) similarly warned readers about light‑pollution and timing, underscoring the importance of planning around lunar phases for optimal meteor‑watching.
Key facts
- The Orionid meteor shower peaks overnight on Oct. 21‑22, 2026. (space.com)
- An 80%‑illuminated waxing gibbous moon will be visible during the peak, setting around 03:00 a.m. local time in Europe and North America. (space.com)
- The International Meteor Organization estimates a zenithal hourly rate of 20+ meteors per hour under ideal conditions. (space.com)
