Meteor Shower: Don't Miss This October's Peak Sky Phenomenon!

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Skywatchers around the world will witness a brilliant celestial show this week as the Orionid meteor shower lights up the sky with bright trails of light.

The meteor shower, which is sometimes known to produce fireballs, is expected to peak at 8:00 PM ET on Monday, according to EarthSky.

Three major meteor showers—the Draconids, Epsilon Geminids, and Orionids—are ready to brighten the darkness of the night.

This natural phenomenon occurs when Earth crosses the orbit of a comet that has left a trail of dust and particles.

The Orionids don’t have a sharp peak, “so if you happen to get clouded out on that night, don’t despair,” said Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society.

“Head on out the next night, next couple nights even, and you’ll see almost the same activity.”

Heads Up🚨: Stargazers! Earth is about to pass through Halley’s Comet’s debris trail, and that means fireballs in the sky!The Orionid Meteor Shower peaks October 21–22, with up to 25 meteors per hour streaking across the night.📍 Best viewed from midnight to dawn — in both… pic.twitter.com/Vk9SqoOSK7

— All day Astronomy (@forallcurious) October 20, 2025

The Draconid meteor shower will open a series of celestial phenomena in October 2025.

This phenomenon is active between October 6 and 10, with peak activity expected to occur on October 8 at approximately 19:00 UTC.

This meteor shower originates from the dust remnants of Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, a periodic comet that orbits the Sun every 6.6 years.

The Draconids tend to be less intense than other major meteor showers, with an estimated 10 meteors per hour on the night of their peak, provided the sky is dark and free from light pollution.

The Draconids are unique in that their best viewing time is early evening after dark, unlike most other meteor showers, which are more visible before dawn.

The name 'Draconid' itself is taken from the constellation Draco (Dragon) in the northern sky, where the meteors appear to originate.

Following the Draconids, the skies will be graced by the Epsilon Geminid (ε-Geminids) meteor shower, which is expected to peak on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

In completely dark skies with minimal light interference, observers may be able to see around 3 to 5 meteors per hour.

The Orionid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through debris left over from the comet 1P/Halley, according to NASA.

 “Halley’s comet actually crosses Earth’s orbit twice,” explained Lunsford.

This phenomenon is active for quite a long time, from October 2 to November 7, with peak activity expected on October 21.

The Orionids originate from the debris left by Halley's Comet, which approaches the Sun every 76 years and releases material.

Often, these meteors leave a "trail," or streak of light, that shines for several seconds after they pass through the atmosphere.

At its peak, this meteor shower is estimated to produce a rate of around 15 to 25 meteors per hour (ZHR) under dark sky conditions.

Here are the peak dates of other meteor showers anticipated this year, according to the American Meteor Society and EarthSky. 

• Southern Taurids: November 4-5
• Northern Taurids: November 11-12
• Leonids: November 16-17
• Geminids: December 13-14
• Ursids: December 21-22

To maximize your meteor shower viewing experience, there are several important preparations and tips to keep in mind.

Meteor shower observation doesn't require special equipment like a telescope; the naked eye is sufficient.

• Find a Dark Location: Choose a location away from city light pollution, such as a beach, open field, or high ground. The darker the sky, the more meteors you'll see.
• Get Comfortable: Bring a sleeping mat or reclining chair so you can comfortably gaze upward for extended periods. Dress warmly, as nighttime temperatures can be quite chilly.
• Give Your Eyes Time to Adapt: ​​Give your eyes about 30 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness. This will help you see fainter meteors.
• Pay Attention to Weather Conditions: Make sure the sky is clear. Heavy clouds or rain will obscure your view of this celestial phenomenon.