HANOI — Stargazers in Vietnam are in for a celestial treat as the Orionids meteor shower, originating from the ancient and famous Halley’s Comet, begins to grace the night sky starting this evening, October 2nd.
According to Space.com, this annual astronomical event allows observers to witness fragments of Halley’s Comet burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, creating spectacular streaks of light.
When and How to Watch
The Orionids meteor shower will be visible in Vietnam’s skies from tonight through November 12th. The shower is renowned for producing bright, persistent trails that paint the night sky. This phenomenon occurs each year as the Earth passes through the dense trail of debris left behind by Halley’s Comet (official designation 1P/Halley).
While the shower starts now, the peak activity for 2025 is expected around October 20th and 21st. During this period, under ideal dark sky conditions, viewers can anticipate seeing 10 to 20 meteors per hour. However, some experts, including the American Meteor Society, predict the peak might occur slightly later, on the nights of October 22nd and 23rd.
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
To make the most of the Orionids, it’s best to watch in the hours after midnight, especially during the peak dates. This year’s peak coincides with the new moon phase, meaning the sky will be naturally darker without interference from moonlight.
The meteors will appear to radiate from a point near the constellation Orion, which will be visible above the southeastern horizon in the early morning hours of mid-October.
For optimal viewing, experts recommend the following:
- Don’t look directly at the radiant point. Instead, find a large, open patch of the night sky to see the longest and most spectacular meteor trails.
- Allow your eyes to adjust. It takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the darkness, which will help you spot more of the fainter meteors.
- Check the weather. Clear skies are essential for a good meteor-watching session.
The Legacy of Halley’s Comet
Scientists often refer to the Orionids as the “legacy of Halley’s Comet.” The meteors are, in fact, dust particles shed by the comet during its previous passages around the sun.
The Orionids is the second meteor shower produced by Halley’s Comet each year, with the first being the Eta Aquarids in May. Halley’s Comet itself takes approximately 76 years to orbit the sun and is next expected to be visible from Earth in 2061. The release of these meteoroids into space is part of the natural process of a comet’s life, as all comets eventually disintegrate into clouds of meteoroids.
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Source: Vietnam Insider