A new shower of shooting stars is coming, at what time and how can you observe the Orionids?

Since the beginning of October, we can see shooting stars in the night sky. These are the Orionids which will reach their maximum intensity. in a few days. We tell you everything about this celestial spectacle!

In a few days you will be able to witness the peak of intensity. Orionids, a particularly important meteor shower in the fall. This extends over several weeks between October 2 and November 7 but presents a peak in activity. on October 22 when the number of observable shooting stars will increase considerably. À On this date, it will be possible to admire around 20 meteors per hour. Enough to spend a lovely evening with your head in the stars!

Henceù come the Orionids?

Like other showers of shooting stars, the Orionids are produced by dust from a comet. This time it is comet 1P/Halley, also responsible for the Eta Aquarids that occur in spring. When the Earth passes through this cloud of particles in its orbit, this dust enters the atmosphere and disintegrates there, burning up under the effect of speed. The Orionids are among the fastest shooting stars known. They move at different speeds. a speed of 66 kilometers per second, which is faster than the famous Persids that you undoubtedly had the opportunity to observe during the summer.

When and how to admire them?

If the weather is good, the Orionids should offer us a beautiful spectacle, particularly during their peak of activity. next October 22. Although their radiant point, that is to say the source of the shooting stars, is located in the constellation Orion, the specialized website provides information on the location of the shooting stars. Starwalk recommends watching for about 45 minutes. 50 degrees from the latter. This is where where the longest and brightest meteors should be found. To quickly and easily recognize the constellation of Orion, don't hesitate to look at the Orion constellation. use a sky map like that on the Stelvision site or a mobile application like Sky Tonight (accessible on Google Play and the App Store).

The best time to admire this rain of The shooting stars can be found around 2 a.m. when they will be highest in the sky. But it will be possible to admire meteors from here. from midnight and until dawn. To benefit from it, you don't need any special equipment, you just need to open your eyes and be patient. Ideally, sit on a deck chair so that your gaze is naturally directed towards you. towards the celestial vault and thus avoid neck pain. To complete this astronomy evening, bring a blanket and a thermos of hot drink.