Spectacular Orionid Meteor Shower Hits Peak Viewing
Autumn’s signature sky show is nearing its big moment, but getting the best view will take a little planning.
The Orionid meteor shower peaks Wednesday night, Oct. 21, into Thursday morning, Oct. 22, according to NASA. The best viewing window comes after midnight, especially after the moon sets and before dawn.
AccuWeather says you could see as many as 20 meteors per hour during that time, noting that the Orionids are among the fastest annual meteor showers, with particles entering Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 148,000 mph.
Moonlight, clouds, and artificial lighting can reduce what y…
Best Viewing Chances Coming In 'Parade Of Planets': Here's When To Keep Eye On Sky
Skywatchers, get ready for an unforgettable weeks-long celestial spectacle.
This rare phenomenon, nicknamed the "Parade of Planets," offers a unique opportunity for viewers to observe multiple planets in the night sky.
What to Expect
Shortly after sunset through mid-February, the six planets -- Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Venus -- will align across the night sky.
"Venus, Saturn and Neptune will be bunched together low in the southwestern sky, while Mars, with its distinct reddish hue, Jupiter and Uranus will glow higher in the southern sky," according to AccuWea…
Leonid Meteor Shower To Peak Over Pennsylvania Skies
Stargazers in Pennsylvania are in for a celestial treat as the Leonid meteor shower lights up the night sky, EarthSky reports. The annual meteor display is expected to peak late tonight, Saturday, Nov. 18, into the early hours of Sunday, Nov. 19, with optimal viewing conditions away from city lights.
Known for producing some of the most dramatic meteor storms in history, the Leonids typically generate 10 to 15 meteors per hour during peak activity. This year, however, viewers might witness an even higher count under clear skies. The meteors are fragments from the comet Tempel-Tuttle, which o…
