Guide to observe meteor shower Orionids tonight

This year, if the weather permits, we will be able to see many long and bright shooting stars with a density of about 20 meteors per hour.

How to observe meteor shower Orionids

Tomorrow morning, people who love watching the sky will have the opportunity to witness the climax of the meteor shower Orionids. This is meteor shower that is considered relatively large every year.This year, if the weather permits, we will be able to see many long and bright shooting stars with a density of about 20 meteors per hour.

The first time this meteor shower was observed was in 1839 and 1940 by EC Herrick observer. When he first observed in 1839 he concluded that the meteor shower lasted from 8 to 15 October. The observation in 1840 he corrected that it started on the 8th and ended on October 25.

However, the first person to accurately observe this meteor shower was astronomer Herschel, who observed 14 meteors of this battle from the Orion constellation area on October 18, 1864 and the year Next, he concluded that its climax was October 20 (1965). The Orionids were then one of the largest observable annual meteor showers.

1.5 centuries passed, the Orionids meteorites are still very much in the Earth's atmosphere and we can still observe this meteor shower with much smaller meteorite than before. It is no longer a really big meteor shower when compared to Perseids, Geminids or even Leonids, but it is still a remarkable astronomical phenomenon for those who love to observe the sky with these densities. recent years from 25 to 30 meteors per hour.

Time

In 2017, the two extreme nights of the Orionids fall during the first half of the lunar month. Therefore the Moon is quite bright but will dive soon, and when the Moon's light completely does not affect the sky anymore, it is the best time to observe. Thus, the most ideal time for monitoring this phenomenon is in the dawn of October 21, from about 2am to before dawn.

Location and viewing angle

You should choose for yourself an observation position with a wide angle of view, less obstructed by trees or tall buildings, while limiting places with lots of artificial light, because when a light bulb hits your eyes It will make it harder for you to see the dark sky above (of course, don't forget to keep your safety safe when you go out in the middle of the night).

At the time mentioned above, look at the eastern sky, slightly to the southeast and find the constellation Orion. This constellation is easy to recognize because the three bright stars are aligned and evenly spaced to form Orion's belt, while the outstanding brightness of the stars Betelgeuse, Rigel and Ballatrix also makes it difficult for you. to find this constellation. Most meteors of Orionids come from the Orion neighborhood, as you can see in the picture below.

Orion constellation location.

Weather and pollution

Please note that you can only observe this phenomenon when it is cloudless or very cloudless. On the other hand, urban areas with high levels of pollution also greatly affect observations. A simple test is to stand outside for 3 to 5 minutes to allow your eyes to adapt, then observe the sky above, if you cannot count at least a few dozen stars (normal light dots on the bulb) heaven) you have almost no chance to observe the meteor shower.

The necessary tools

A small binoculars or telescope can help you see the Milky Way's light if you want, but they are completely useless for watching meteor showers. What you should bring is a chair, a folding bed or a mat to have the most comfortable position to observe, and if it is cold, don't forget the warm clothes, and anything else you see that can protect you all for you if you are not looking at your balcony.