We see many meteor showers throughout the year, the Leonids, Persied, Quadtrantid and Geminid to name a few. On October 20, a brilliant Orionid meteor shower is expected. Weather should be favorable, with temperatures in the 50s and clear skies. Also the moon will set before peak, so light from it will not lead to interference. Make sure you have your jacket handy and head to the open country for best viewing. Look toward the southeast. The peak will occur just after midnight, as up to 30 meteors a minute will be possible. The Orionids in 2006 produced over 60 a minute!
The Orionids are so named because they appear to originate near Betelgeuse, the second-brightest star in the constellation Orion (The Hunter). The meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left from Halley's comet as it makes its trek around the sun.
Learn more about the Orionids here:
http://meteorshowersonline.com/orionids.htmlChief Meteorologist Derek Beasley
