Orionid Meteor Shower 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Orionid meteor shower is one of the most famous and anticipated meteor showers on the annual calendar. You can see it from all over the world. Here's what you need to know about the Orionid meteor shower .

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In 2025, the Orionid meteor shower will run from October 2 to November 7, peaking on the night of October 22 between midnight and dawn. However, you may be able to see the shower for several days on the day of its peak.

What is the Orionid meteor shower?

Some consider the Orionid meteor shower to be extra special because the meteors are actually pieces of comet 1P/Halley, also known as Halley's Comet. This comet only passes by Earth once every 75-76 years, but this annual shower can make up for missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime event.

As the comet travels around the Sun, it leaves behind a trail of small pieces of debris. The comet debris enters our planet's atmosphere at about 41 miles per second, where it vaporizes due to friction with the air, creating the streaks of light we call shooting stars.

When is the Orionid meteor shower?

The Orionid meteor shower occurs in late October each year, peaking around the 21st. Although the Orionid peak is supposed to be on October 22, 2025, there is actually a broad peak that lasts about a week.

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How to observe the Orionid meteor shower

Meteor hunting, like the rest of astronomy, is a waiting game, so it's best to bring a comfortable chair to sit in and wrap up warm, as you may be out for a while. The Orionid meteor shower can be viewed with the naked eye, so no binoculars or telescopes are required, although you will need to let your eyes adjust to the dark.

In 2025, the new moon will be on October 21, coinciding with the week-long shower's peak around October 22, meaning skies will be clear and dark enough for you to spot the best Orionids.

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Best Places to Watch the Orionid Meteor Shower

You should find a safe location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution. You can see the Orionid meteor shower from anywhere in the sky, so it's best to be in an open space where you can scan the night sky with your eyes. But if you follow the meteors' paths, they appear to originate from the constellation Orion.

Jessica Tanner

Update 16 January 2025