Orionid Meteor shower Peaks Tonight, October 21-22, 2025: What Time to Watch
the Orionid Meteor Shower is expected โขto peak tonight, October 21st, and into the early hours of October 22nd, 2025. While โpinpointing an exact time is difficult due to the gradual nature of meteor shower peaks,several sources offer guidance for optimal viewing.
According to โขone source, the theoretical peak time for meteors is 00.00 WIB (Western Indonesian Time). However, the best viewing opportunity โarises after the radiant point – the area of the sky from which the meteors appearโข to originate – is highโข in the eastern sky. This is estimatedโ to occur around 01.00 WIB on October 22nd.
The American Meteor Society corroborates the โpeak timeframe,stating it will occur on the evening of October 21-22,2025,though without specifying a preciseโ time. The Journal & Courrier suggests the period between midnight on October 21st and 2 am on October 22nd as a potentially favorable window.
Experts noteโฃ that meteor shower peaks are gradual events, unlike the precise โpredictability โof โฃlunar eclipses.
What to Expect: โฃZenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR)
The number of meteors visible โขwill depend โon the Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR), โฃwhich represents the number of meteors potentially visible in one hour under ideal conditions. The International meteor Organization (IMO) 2025 Meteor Shower Calendar indicates โฃan average ZHR of 20-30 for the Orionids, based on observations from โ2012-2020. Historically, between 2006-2009, the ZHR was higher, ranging from 40-70. This year, the peak โZHR is estimated to be above 20,โค considered a moderate but observable rate.
Howโฃ to View the Shower:
* Find a secluded, dark viewingโฃ location.
* Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for 15-20 minutes.
* โ โ Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather.
* Bring a blanket if you plan to observe for an extended period.
* Lie down and โlook up at the sky.
* Focusโค your gaze towards the radiant point above the eastern horizon.
Optimal Viewing โขConditions:
Fortunately, the Moon will not interfere with โviewing โthis year. The Moon will beโ between the Earth and theโฃ Sun,resulting in minimal illuminationโค on the side facing โคEarth. Dark โฃskies are crucial for visibility, and no special equipment like telescopes or binoculars are necessary – the naked eye is โsufficient once adapted to the darkness.
The Orionid Meteor Shower is visible fromโค both the northern and southern hemispheres. Observers should look towards the constellation Orion to maximizeโ their chances ofโ spotting the meteors.
(by/dil)
