The Orionids
Based on NASA, AMS and IMO references, with Moon figures from USNO. Our calculations, suggested observing nights and plain-language guide are labeled separately.
Our guideWhat this means for your night
Our plain-language reading of the sources and calculations on this page. It adds no new facts; the quotes below are the evidence.
What to expect. The Orionids are debris from comet 1P/Halley, according to NASA. The AMS describes a medium-strength shower: in a normal year 10 to 20 shower members at maximum, though exceptional years such as 2006 to 2009 reached 50 to 75 an hour. Those are counts at maximum; the Moon and your sky decide how many of them you'll catch.
Timing. NASA says the Orionids are seen in the hours after midnight, and our calculation puts the radiant highest around 4:30 a.m. local mean solar time. The AMS describes a prolonged, plateau maximum lasting several nights, which gives you more than one chance. In 2026, USNO shows a waxing gibbous Moon, 78% lit on Oct 21 and 86% on Oct 22, and NASA's October 2026 skywatching note says the same thing in plain terms: the bright Moon will wash out fainter meteors, and the best chance may be in the few hours before dawn, after the Moon sets. In 2027, USNO shows 61% lit on Oct 21 and 50% on Oct 22.
Where to look. NASA suggests looking 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant, where Orionids appear longer. NASA also says they are known for brightness and speed, and fast meteors can leave glowing trains lasting seconds to minutes, so watch the spot where one just passed.
Tips that follow. Because the maximum is a plateau lasting several nights, pick the clearest, darkest night of the week around October 21/22 rather than insisting on the exact peak. Follow the AMS basics: 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust, no binoculars, and look about halfway up.
| Shower | Night | Published ZHR | Moon lit (USNO, each date) | Radiant highest: our calculation, approximate LMST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orionids 2026 | Oct 21–22, 2026 (AMS peak night) | 20 (AMS calendar) | Oct 21: waxing gibbous, 78%; Oct 22: waxing gibbous, 86% | 4:30 a.m. |
| Orionids 2027 | Oct 21–22, 2027 (our suggested night for the Eastern US; IMO gives the maximum as Oct 22, 2027) | 20 (IMO 2027 calendar) | Oct 21: waning gibbous, 61%; Oct 22: third quarter, 50% | 4:30 a.m. |
LMST is local mean solar time, which can differ from your clock by an hour or more. The time the radiant is highest isn't a recommended start time; it can fall in twilight or daylight. Moon figures: USNO's one-day figure for each calendar date, requested for 39.83° N, 98.58° W (near the center of the contiguous US) at UTC−6. USNO doesn't say what time of day the figure applies to. Illumination only; check local moonrise and moonset.
Where they come from
“The pieces of space debris that interact with our atmosphere to create the Orionids originate from comet 1P/Halley.”
Source: NASA meteor shower page
When they're active
“The Orionids (max: October 21/22) during the second half of October have a prolonged, plateau maximum for several nights, usually rich.”
Source: AMS major meteor showers
Where to look
“It is actually better to view the Orionids from 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant. They will appear longer and more spectacular from this perspective.”
Source: NASA meteor shower page
Orionids: radiant height and rise time, Oct 21, 2026
Our calculationFrom the radiant position on our calendar: right ascension (RA) 6.33 h, declination (Dec) +15.8° (AMS calendar data). Method on our About page.
| Latitude | Places near this latitude | Highest altitude | Radiant rises (approximate LMST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30° N | Houston, New Orleans | 76° | 9:30 p.m. |
| 40° N | Columbus, Denver | 66° | 9:30 p.m. |
| 48° N | Seattle, northern Minnesota | 58° | 9 p.m. |
Orionids: radiant height and rise time, Oct 21, 2027
Our calculationFrom the radiant position on our calendar: right ascension (RA) 95°, declination (Dec) +16° (IMO 2027 calendar). Method on our About page.
| Latitude | Places near this latitude | Highest altitude | Radiant rises (approximate LMST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30° N | Houston, New Orleans | 76° | 9:30 p.m. |
| 40° N | Columbus, Denver | 66° | 9:30 p.m. |
| 48° N | Seattle, northern Minnesota | 58° | 9 p.m. |
Highest altitude is when the radiant crosses due north-south. The rise time is when it clears a flat horizon, ignoring refraction, twilight and terrain.
How many to expect
“The Orionids are a medium-strength shower that sometimes reaches high-strength activity.”
Source: AMS meteor shower calendar
“In a normal year, the Orionids produce 10–20 shower members at maximum. In exceptional years, such as 2006–2009, peak rates were comparable to the Perseids, at 50–75 per hour.”
Source: AMS meteor shower calendar
ZHR is a standardized rate: what one observer would count in an hour under a perfectly dark sky with the radiant straight overhead. It isn't a forecast, and what you count is usually lower.
What they look like
“Orionid meteors are known for their brightness and for their speed.”
Source: NASA meteor shower page
“Fast meteors can leave glowing "trains" (incandescent bits of debris in the wake of the meteor) which last for several seconds to minutes.”
Source: NASA meteor shower page
How to watch
“The Orionids are viewable in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres during the hours after midnight.”
Source: NASA meteor shower page
“A bright waxing gibbous Moon will wash out some of the fainter meteors this year. Your best chance may come in just a few hours before dawn, after the Moon sets.”
Source: NASA What's Up, October 2026
For any meteor shower
“Most meteor showers are best observed between midnight and dawn.”
Source: AMS meteor FAQ
“Find a dark location with an unobstructed view and give your eyes at least 20–30 minutes to adjust. Full dark adaptation takes longer, so avoid bright lights and phone screens.”
Source: AMS meteor FAQ
“Meteor showers are best observed with the unaided eye. Binoculars and telescopes restrict your field of view, making it harder to catch meteors appearing across the sky.”
Source: AMS meteor FAQ
“Look toward a dark, clear part of the sky, roughly halfway between the horizon and directly overhead.”
Source: AMS meteor FAQ
“It is a standardized estimate of shower activity under ideal conditions: a very dark, clear sky with the radiant directly overhead. It is not the number most observers will actually see.”
Source: AMS meteor FAQ
How many meteors you actually see depends on the shower's activity that night, how dark your sky is, clouds, and how high the radiant is.
We don't know the weather on any given night. Check a forecast, and the calendar for the moon on each date.