Most beautiful celestial phenomenon of the year! Where and when to watch the Orionids
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Astronomy enthusiasts can witness a spectacular celestial phenomenon this weekend! The Orionid meteor shower, one of the most breathtaking astronomical phenomena, is set to grace the skies this weekend, and it's a show you won't want to miss. This celestial spectacle will continue for almost a month, but the peak is just around the corner, according to Science Alert.
Best time to watch the meteor shower
The Orionids will reach their peak between midnight and dawn on October 21. The following early Sunday morning will also offer a brilliant display. During these days, stargazers in both the northern and southern hemispheres can expect to witness up to 20 meteors per hour.
The Orionid meteor stream is famous for its meteors that race into Earth's atmosphere at speeds of around 66 kilometers per second, as per NASA's data. This means they can leave behind radiant streaks visible in the sky for seconds to minutes. The Orionids are also known for producing fireballs, which are meteors that shine incredibly bright for a few seconds before fading away.
To make the most of this meteor shower, find a location with minimal light pollution and simply wait. Since Ukraine is located in the northern hemisphere, lie on your back facing southeast. In about half an hour, your eyes will adjust to the darkness, and you'll start spotting the first meteors.
Try to locate the constellation Orion in the sky to predict where the meteors will appear. The easiest way to do this is by finding Orion's belt, composed of three stars evenly spaced in a straight line.
Within a 45- to 90-degree radius from Orion, you'll have a great vantage point to see the Orionids. Don't miss this opportunity to witness this mesmerizing celestial show!
