Science

Orionid meteor shower peaks overnight Friday

The Orionid meteor shower peaks overnight Friday, so if skies are clear, Alaskans have a chance to check out the annual show.

"Definitely worth a look," wrote Travis Rector, astronomer at the University of Alaska Anchorage. With just a sliver of the waxing moon overhead, meteors will be easier to spot against the darkness.

In Alaska, the constellation Orion, over which the meteor shower is centered, will be low in the sky.

"Go somewhere so you have a good view of the southeastern sky," Rector wrote. Early morning is the best time to see them, he said.

The Orionid meteor shower happens around the same time every year, as the Earth passes through debris left behind by Halley's comet. Peak activity will see around 15 to 30 meteors an hour, according to Space.com.

The meteor shower lasts through Oct. 26.

Laurel Andrews

Laurel Andrews was a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch News and Alaska Dispatch. She left the ADN in October 2018.

ADVERTISEMENT