Orionids peak

Swift meteors from Halley's Comet crossing the autumn sky.

DateWednesday, October 21, 2026

Local time05:30

VisibilityFair

LocationBucharest

What to know

Best after midnight62° radiant altitude toward SVisible from both hemispheres20 ideal ZHR · the real count is usually lower73% MoonNaked eyePeak time is approximate; reviewed against the annual IMO calendar

How this was calculated

Reference event

Active periodSep 26–Nov 23Best sampled moment: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 04:00

Source: International Meteor Organization annual shower calendar
Method: Published activity ranges with Moon interference calculated for the peak.
Accuracy and limits: Meteor peaks can drift by several hours and the quoted rate assumes a dark sky with the radiant high overhead.

Why this event matters

What you will actually see

Meteor showers reward patience and a wide field of view. The quoted rate assumes a very dark sky with the radiant high overhead.

Where to lookThe clearest, darkest part of your sky, but keep most of the sky in view rather than staring directly at the radiant.

What to bringNaked eye only. Binoculars and telescopes show too little sky to catch meteors reliably.

Before you leave

Prepare for the event

Go somewhere dark and block nearby lamps from view.
Bring a reclining chair, warm layers, and a dim red light.
Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to darkness.

At the observing site

How to observe it

Begin near the recommended time and settle in for at least one hour.
Look roughly halfway between the radiant and the zenith.
Avoid checking a bright phone screen; short quiet intervals are normal.