COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Viewing of this year’s Orionid Meteor Shower happens to coincide with a new moon. This means a darker sky for better visibility of the event which peaks in the pre-dawn hours this Tuesday.
The meteor shower, named for the nearby constellation Orion, happens every October when the Earth passes through debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.
The Orionids are active through early November, but this week’s new moon presents a unique opportunity for stargazers to catch some shooting stars.
For best viewing, look to the southeast after midnight. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. While a telescope and binoculars can be helpful in most astronomical events, they are not recommended for viewing meteor showers due to limiting your field of vision…