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Orionids meteor shower 2026 and 2027
The Orionids are active 2 October – 7 November each year, with a peak rate of about 20 meteors an hour under perfect dark skies. They come from Halley's Comet. In 2027 the peak falls on 21 October, with bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
Orionids peak dates for the UK
Peak times are worked out from the Sun's position along its path (the solar longitude the International Meteor Organization gives for the peak), so they are accurate to within a few hours. Real peaks can arrive early or late. 'Best time' is the hour when the radiant is highest while the sky is properly dark.
| Year | Peak (UK time) | Moon at peak | Best time from London |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wed 21 October (around 10:22 BST) | Waxing gibbous, 75% lit | 05:00 BST, radiant about 54° up |
| 2027 | Thu 21 October (around 16:18 BST) | Waning gibbous, 62% lit | 05:00 BST, radiant about 54° up |
What to expect
The rate of about 20 an hour is the zenithal hourly rate, a figure for a perfectly dark sky with the radiant overhead. From a UK garden you will usually see a third to a half of that, fewer near towns or under moonlight. Orionids enter the atmosphere at about 66 km per second.
Orion rises in the late evening, so the best rates come after midnight, with the radiant high in the south before dawn.
History and origin
The autumn shower from Halley's Comet. Its meteors are very fast, at about 66 km per second, and often leave bright trains. The peak is broad, so several nights either side are worth a look.
The meteors are specks of dust shed by Halley's Comet. When Earth crosses that dust each year, the grains burn up about 80 to 100 km overhead.
How to watch
- Find somewhere away from streetlights, ideally with a wide view of the sky. Our UK dark sky spots by county list designated places near you.
- Give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt, and keep your phone on a dim red screen.
- Lie back on a reclining chair and look about two-thirds of the way up the sky, not straight at the radiant.
- Dress for twice as cold as you expect, and bring a hot drink.
- Check the moon calendar for the phase, and the weather forecast for cloud.
Folklore and tradition
Shooting stars have long been seen as signs. A common British wish custom is to make a wish before the meteor fades and keep it secret. Others saw them as souls passing, or as a sign of good luck for the year. We share these as folklore, part of why people have always loved a night under the stars.
For a night under the stars
Questions answered
When do the Orionids peak in 2027?
Around 21 October 2027, near 16:18 BST UK time. Watch the nights either side too.
How many Orionids will I see?
The peak rate is about 20 an hour under perfect skies. From a typical UK site, expect a fraction of that, depending on darkness and moonlight.
Will the moon spoil the Orionids in 2027?
At the 2027 peak the moon is 62% lit (waning gibbous), so expect bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
What causes the Orionids?
Dust from Halley's Comet, burning up as Earth passes through it.
Do I need a telescope to see the Orionids?
No. Meteors move too fast and across too much of the sky. Your eyes are the best instrument.
Key facts (summary)
- The Orionids are active 2 October – 7 November each year, with a peak rate of about 20 meteors an hour under perfect dark skies.
- Around 21 October 2027, near 16:18 BST UK time.
- The peak rate is about 20 an hour under perfect skies.
- At the 2027 peak the moon is 62% lit (waning gibbous), so expect bright moonlight, which will wash out all but the brighter meteors.
- Dust from Halley's Comet, burning up as Earth passes through it.
- No.
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