Orionids 2026
Halley's Comet's second annual gift: fast, sometimes fireball-rich meteors radiating from Orion, framed by the best constellations of the year. Rates around 20/hr with a broad, forgiving peak.
Moon conditions for the 2026 peak
A waxing gibbous moon sets after midnight in 2026, so the pre-dawn peak hours stay dark.
How to watch the Orionids
- The broad peak means any clear night within 2-3 days of the 21st performs nearly as well.
- At 66 km/s Orionids are among the fastest meteors. Blink and you miss them, so give the sky your full attention.
Check your sky first:meteors don't care about clouds, but you will. Open your city's page on our live conditions indexfor tonight's hour-by-hour cloud forecast, or find a certified dark-sky site within driving distance: the single biggest upgrade to your meteor count.
Free Orionids peak sky alerts, no app required
One email when aurora conditions align at your location, plus meteor reminder and go-time emails for peaks worth watching. Web alerts cover one US location per email.
Orionids 2026: FAQ
›When do the Orionids peak in 2026?
Night of October 20–21, 2026. The shower is active October 2 – November 7, so nights within a few days of the peak still produce elevated rates, useful insurance if peak night is cloudy where you are.
›What time should I watch the Orionids?
Midnight until dawn. The radiant (North of Betelgeuse in Orion (southeast)) needs to be above the horizon for you to see meteors, and rates climb as it rises higher.
›How many meteors will I see during the Orionids?
The ideal-condition rate is up to 20/hour. Realistically: from a dark rural site expect a third to a half of that; from the suburbs, far fewer. A waxing gibbous moon sets after midnight in 2026, so the pre-dawn peak hours stay dark.
›Where do the Orionids come from?
Comet 1P/Halley. Each year Earth crosses the debris left along its orbit, and those particles hit our atmosphere at 66 km/s, vaporizing as the streaks we call meteors.
›Do I need a telescope for the Orionids?
No. Meteors cross large areas of sky, so unaided eyes with the widest possible view win. Bring a reclining chair, dress warmer than you think you need, and give your eyes 20 minutes to dark-adapt.