Orionid meteor shower brings dazzling sky show this weekend — here’s when to catch it

Orion is belting out a show for Earth.

A stunning meteor shower containing traces of the famed Halley’s Comet will pass by Earth with peak viewing opportunities this weekend.

The Orionids, originating from the constellation’s Betelgeuse star, reach their best visibility during the early hours of Monday, Oct 21, at around 5 a.m., according to Space.com.

The Orionid meteor shower is returning to Earth’s skies this weekend. VCG via Getty Images

While not as bright, the ongoing meteor shower will continue until about Oct. 26 with a few stragglers streaming by until Nov. 7, according to the outlet.

The annual meteor shower normally lasts from about Oct. 16 to 26 with some appearing as early as the start of October. 

The Orionid meteor shower will be challenged by the moon’s light this year. VCG via Getty Images

NASA bills the celestial event as “one of the most beautiful showers of the year.”

However, this year, viewing will require a little more effort due to the moon’s waning gibbous phase, which can drown out light from meteors.

For that reason, it’s best to move away from city lights and into dark, uncrowded regions for optimal viewing conditions.

“Still, a few Orionids should hopefully be viewable in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during the hours after midnight through before dawn on the mornings of Sunday, Oct. 20, and Monday, Oct. 21,” according to NASA.

Part of what makes the Orinids such a unique stargazing occasion is that the firey space rocks are created through the icy dust left behind by Halley’s comet during its three-quarters century trip around the sun.