Clear skies forecast in CT as Orionids meteor bathe peaks

As the Orionids meteor bathe peaks this week, viewing situations will keep near very best over the subsequent few nights in Connecticut, providing stargazers a number of alternatives to identify the temporary however dazzling streaks of sunshine from this yearly spectacle. 

The Orionids are a long-duration meteor bathe, with viewing potential between Oct. 2 and Nov. 12, 2025. After peaking with the brand new moon part on Oct. 21, the sky will keep darkish sufficient to ship nice viewing for the subsequent a number of nights.

Of course, all it takes is a cloudy night time to damage our probabilities of recognizing any meteors, however the climate is wanting prefer it’ll cooperate. A cool however steady air mass will dominate the forecast as we head into the weekend, limiting the cloud cowl overhead at night time. Dark skies are finest for viewing meteor showers, which additionally means being away from metropolis and suburban lights, in accordance with the American Meteor Society.

Caused by the Earth passing by means of the icy mud cloud trailing comet 1P/Halley (also referred to as Halley’s comet), this meteor bathe is broadly thought of to be one of the lovely showers of the 12 months. Roughly 10 to twenty meteors per hour might be seen underneath very best situations.

One of the primary components contributing to the vibrancy of this meteor bathe is the velocity at which the tiny meteors affect Earth’s environment; touring at greater than 41 miles per second (roughly 147,000 mph), these tiny bits of mud and area rocks usually go away a brighter and longer-duration streak within the sky in comparison with “slower” meteor showers just like the Geminids.

The finest likelihood to look at the Orionids meteor bathe is from earlier than midnight till round 2 a.m., in accordance with NASA.

To spot the meteor bathe, look to the southeastern sky towards the Orion constellation. You also can use a smartphone astronomy app to find the star Betelgeuse (sure, it is pronounced like Beetlejuice) for a extra particular radiant level.