The meteor shower Orionids It will reappear with force in October 2025, offering a spectacle visible from much of the planet. Its peak is expected between the night of the 21th and early morning of October 22, on dates very close to the new Moon, which favors a darker sky.
Those who go out to look at the sky will be able to see around 10–20 meteors per hour in good conditions, with quick flashes that disintegrate at about 66 km / h. A autumn phenomenon which can be seen without special equipment, both in the northern and southern hemispheres.
What is a meteor?
A meteor is the flash of light which we observe when a small fragment of rock or space dust (meteoroid) enters the Earth's atmosphere and is heated by friction until it disintegrates. What we popularly call Shooting Stars They are not stars, but tiny particles burning at high speed.
In a meteor shower it seems that all the flashes come from the same point in the sky, the radiantIn the case of the Orionids, that point is located in the constellation of Orion, although meteors can appear anywhere in the celestial vault and surprise you outside the central view.
Why does the Orionid meteor shower occur?
The Orionids are the result of the Earth passing through a stream of dust and fragments left by the Comet 1P/Halley on his visits to the Sun. Each year, between the October 2 and November 7 approximately, our planet passes through this cloud of particles and meteoric activity is triggered.
The peak is expected in 2025. between October 21 and 22, with the Moon in almost new phase, which reduces glare and allows for fainter meteors to be seen. Some trails leave a small luminous train for seconds, typical of fast meteors like those in this shower.
Halley's Comet is also behind the Eta Aquarids May, so the Earth crosses the path of the same comet at two different times of the year. Although Halley only approaches the Sun every ~76 years, its trail gives us two notable rains season after season.
How to watch the Orionid meteor shower?
To improve the experience, it is advisable to observe from the midnight and, especially, among the 1:00 and 5:30, with an ideal peak between 3:00 and 4:30, when Orion gains altitude. Look at some 45–90 degrees moving away from the radiant: this way the strokes look longer and more striking.
In Spain, with latitudes around 40º N, Orion's radiant is active from midnight to dawn. In Mexico, visibility is also extensive: the phenomenon can be seen throughout the country if you choose Dark skies and clear horizons, as long as the weather is good.
- Avoid light pollution: Stay away from cities and streetlights; a rural or mountain setting makes all the difference. Light pollution
- Without telescopes or binoculars: They reduce the field of view; you will see more meteors with the naked eye.
- Adapt the view: Allow 20–30 minutes without screens or white lights; use a red flashlight if necessary.
- Pay attention to the Moon: If it is visible, look on the opposite side of the sky to minimize its glare.
For those looking for specific locations in Mexico, dark areas stand out, such as the Ajusco, the Desert of the Lions or areas of high milpa in Mexico City; the Spring Forest or rural areas of the Alegre Coast in Jalisco; and to the north, mountain enclaves such as Galeana o Scratches in Nuevo León.
No equipment is needed: the essential thing is to lie down comfortably, look at a wide area of the sky and be patient. If the sky is clear clear and the Moon is not in the way, the mid-October window should leave a good trickle of shooting stars, with rates close to 10–20 per hour in very dark places.
With the Moon almost new, an early morning schedule and the constellation of Orion well placed, this year's Orionids promise a favorable scenario To capture quick and bright strokes, just choose a quiet spot, wrap up warm and let the sky do its work. magic.
