Starwatch: Catch the Orionid meteor shower streak across the night sky

As Earth passes through dust left by Halley’s comet, observers may see 10-20 fragments per hour The annual Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak this week, offering the chance to see fragments of the most famous comet of all streaking across the night sky. The Orionids occur every October as Earth passes through a stream of dust left behind by Halley’s comet.

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As these tiny particles plunge into Earth’s atmosphere at about 66 kilometres per second, they heat the surrounding air and produce the fleeting streaks of light that we call meteors. Continue reading...