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Starwatch: Catch the Orionid meteor shower streak across the night sky

As Earth passes through dust left by Halley’s comet, observers may see 10-20 fragments per hour The annual Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak this week…

By The News Engine Desk Based on reporting by The Guardian

19 Oct 2026, 10:30 IST Updated 1 hour ago 1 min read 0 views

Image accompanying the story: Starwatch: Catch the Orionid meteor shower streak across the night sky — Image: Illustration: Guardian Graphics · via The Guardian

The Guardian reports: As Earth passes through dust left by Halley’s comet, observers may see 10-20 fragments per hour The annual Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak this week, offering the chance to see fragments of the most famous comet of all streaking across the night sky.

The Orionids occur every October as Earth passes through a stream of dust left behind by Halley’s comet.

This science story centres on the United Kingdom. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Catch the Orionid, Earth and Halley.

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Key details

Location: United Kingdom · Europe
Reported by: The Guardian
First reported: 19 Oct 2026, 10:30 IST
Key names: Catch the Orionid, Earth, Halley, Orionids
Section: Science
Figure cited: As these tiny particles plunge into Earth’s atmosphere at about 66 kilometres per second, they heat the surrounding air and produce the fleeting streaks of light that we call meteors. (The Guardian)