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According to the Department of Astrophysics at the Faculty of Physics of Baku State University (BSU), the Orionid meteor shower will be visible in the second half of October and remain active until 7 November. The shower is expected to reach its peak on 21–22 October, with the night of 21–22 October offering one of the best opportunities for observation.
The Orionids originate from one of the most famous comets in the history of astronomy: Halley's Comet (1P/Halley), which orbits the Sun approximately every 75–76 years. As the comet approaches the Sun, its nucleus releases gas, dust and solid particles, which gradually spread along its orbital path. Although Halley's Comet is not currently close to Earth, our planet passes through parts of this debris stream every year. As the particles enter Earth's atmosphere, they burn up and produce the streaks of light known as meteors.
The Orionids are particularly notable for their high speed. Their meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere at approximately 66 kilometres per second, or around 238,000 kilometres per hour. As a result, they appear as exceptionally fast-moving streaks of light, and some of the brighter meteors may leave luminous trails that remain visible for several seconds.
During the Orionids' peak in 2026, observers can expect to see around 20 meteors per hour under favourable conditions. The shower will be visible from Azerbaijan, with the best viewing opportunities occurring after midnight and especially in the hours before dawn.
For the clearest view, observers are advised to choose a dark location away from city lights, where light pollution is minimal.
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