If you’ve been waiting for a night sky show worth staying up for, this is it. The Orionid meteor shower, one of autumn’s brightest celestial events, reaches its peak overnight from October 22 into the early hours of October 23, and conditions couldn’t be better for Long Island stargazers.
A Sky Show from a Famous Source
The Orionids are fast, fiery, and full of history because every streak of light comes from debris left behind by Halley’s Comet. Each October, Earth plows through this cosmic dust trail, igniting meteors that race across our atmosphere at speeds of up to 41 miles per second. These quick flashes sometimes leave glowing trails that hang in the sky for a few seconds, a signature of this beloved shower.
Halley’s Comet hasn’t graced our skies since 1986, but its remnants continue to return each year, creating this annual reminder of one of astronomy’s most famous visitors.
When and Where to Look for the Meteor Shower
The Orionids are active from October 2 through November 12, but the best viewing comes during the predawn hours of October 23, when Orion the Hunter climbs high into the southern sky. The radiant point, the part of the sky where meteors appear to originate, sits near the bright red star Betelgeuse.
This year, a waning crescent moon means minimal light interference. That’s excellent news for visibility, you could see 10 to 20 meteors per hour under clear, dark skies.
For best results:
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Head outside around 4 to 5 a.m., when Orion is at its highest.
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Face toward the southern horizon and give your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
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Dress warmly and bring a blanket, a reclining chair, and maybe a thermos of something hot.
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Avoid bright lights, use a red flashlight if you need one to preserve night vision.
Even if clouds crash the party on the 22nd, don’t worry. The Orionids have a broad peak, and you’ll still catch plenty of action on the mornings of October 24-26.
A Clash of the Constellations
This year, the Southern Taurids are also active, sending slow, golden meteors westward from the constellation Taurus. The effect is dramatic, almost as if the heavens themselves are staging a slow-motion duel between Taurus and Orion.
Why the Orionid Meteor Shower is Special
Aside from their Halley’s Comet origins, the Orionids are famous for their speed and brightness. Many meteors leave behind persistent smoke trails, giving them a cinematic glow that lingers after the initial flash. If you’re lucky, you might even see a few fireballs, larger, longer-lasting meteors that illuminate the sky in spectacular bursts.
Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Society notes that this shower has staying power: “The Orionids will peak between October 21–23,” he said. “Rates will fall very slowly after these dates, so the mornings of October 24–26 will still provide hourly rates in excess of 10 per hour when viewing from rural dark skies.”
The Takeaway
Between its connection to Halley’s Comet, the near-perfect moon conditions, and the crisp autumn air, this year’s Orionid meteor shower is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. If you’ve ever wanted to feel small, in the best way possible, grab a blanket, head outside, and look up.
Upcoming Meteor Showers
Here’s what’s next on the celestial calendar, according to the American Meteor Society and EarthSky:
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Southern Taurids: November 4–5
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Northern Taurids: November 11–12
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Leonids: November 16–17
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Geminids: December 13–14
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Ursids: December 21–22
Want to plan your stargazing nights all year long? Click to check out our full guide: Your Complete 2025 Guide to Watching Meteor Showers on Long Island
