Orionids Meteor Shower

One of two showers resulting from Earth passing through particles released by Halley's Comet is on deck for this weekend (the other being the Eta Aquarids). Look for these meteors in the early mornings from October 20-22, but with peak activity from after moonset on Saturday night until early morning Sunday.

These natural fireworks showed amazingly well last October, reaching double the normal viewing rate for some watchers (40-50 per hour, as compared to an expected rate closer to 20).

This is typically not a great viewing show for urbanites, particularly given this year's waxing gibbous moon. However, there has been precedence for mutiple years of higher than average activity, so last year might presage another good show.

Check out this link to meteorshoweronline.com for more information and viewing tips.

While we are thinking about comets, let's try not to go overboard.