Orionid Meteor Shower to Peak Over Seattle
Residents can view debris from Halley's Comet streaking across the sky this week.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Space
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The annual Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak visibility in Seattle on October 21, 2026. Observers can expect to see several meteors per hour as remnants of Halley's Comet enter the atmosphere.
Why it matters
The shower offers a natural display of space debris dating back to Halley's Comet, providing a window into the composition of the solar system. Residents can witness these high-speed celestial events during the predawn hours.
These meteors enter the atmosphere at speeds of 148,000 mph. The display is expected to yield between three and 20 meteors per hour under optimal viewing conditions.
The players
Halley's Comet
This is a periodic comet that returns to Earth's vicinity about every 75 to 76 years and serves as the source of the debris causing the Orionid meteor shower.
The details
To maximize visibility, viewers in Seattle should head to a dark location away from city lights after the moon sets. The meteors originate from the trail left by Halley's Comet as it orbits the sun.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The moon sets at 2:16 am.
October 22, 2026: The moon sets at 3:30 am.
The Big Picture
This year's peak follows the historical pattern set by the debris trail left behind during the 1986 perihelion of Halley's Comet. The event continues a long-standing cycle of orbital mechanics that periodically brings cometary dust into contact with the atmosphere.
Observers should plan to be outdoors during the early morning hours when the sky is darkest following moonset. Finding an area with minimal light pollution will significantly increase the likelihood of spotting the fast-moving meteors.
The takeaway
The Orionid shower is a perfect opportunity for amateur astronomers to observe ancient cometary dust without specialized equipment. Simply finding a dark vantage point after the moon sets provides the best chance to see the display.
Further reading
Learn more about upcoming astronomical events in the Space section.
Live Poll
Do you plan to watch the meteor shower in your area this week?
