Pieces of Halley's Comet in the sky tonight: Will they be visible from Türkiye?
The nights of October 20th and 21st are the peak of the Orionid meteor shower. The shower will peak at 3:00 PM Turkish time on October 21st. Therefore, the nights of October 20th, 21st, and 21st/22nd are the best times to observe.
THE MOON IS IN THE DARKDuring this year's peak, the Moon will be in its "new moon" phase, meaning the sky will appear dark and clear. This will make it easier to observe meteors with the naked eye. According to experts, the Orionid shower is at its most spectacular when the Moon isn't shining. Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through a dust cloud left behind by a comet (or sometimes an asteroid) as it orbits the Sun. These tiny particles burn up in the atmosphere, scattering light and creating the spectacle known as a shooting star.
HALLEY'S REMAINSThe Orionid shower is caused by the dust stream of the famous Halley's Comet (1P/Halley). So, when you see an Orionid in the sky tonight, you're actually witnessing a particle from Halley's Comet burning up in the atmosphere. The meteors originate near the constellation Orion, from which they derive their name. Therefore, if you can follow the trail of a meteor toward Orion, you've likely seen an Orionid.
20 METEORS PER HOURDuring its peak, the Orionids shower's ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate)—the number of meteors visible per hour under ideal conditions—is around 20. While this number is actually lower, this year's dark sky conditions will be quite favorable for observers. Experts recommend waiting at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness and observing the sky for 30 to 60 minutes. Tips for best viewing of the Orionids shower, according to experts, are as follows:
- Choose a dark location away from light pollution.
- Dress warmly as the weather will be cool.
- Avoid neck pain by using a comfortable chair or lounge chair.
- Wait 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
- Look up at a 60-degree angle, in any direction.
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