Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars primed tonight, stargazers. The distant Halley’s Comet is reminding us of its far-off presence by pelting our planet with a barrage of meteors which will make the eastern welkin blush with a cosmic light show.
The meteor shower, known as the Orionids, is characterized by its fast-moving bright streaks and fireballs that can be seen for minutes at a time, with some trails staying visible even after the meteor has blinked out. And yes, you can see them with the naked eye.
Though it began at the start of October and is projected to last until November 7, the shower is expected to hit peak brightness this Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.
Its resplendence, however, will be challenged by a waxing gibbous Moon, which will be around 77 percent full tonight and as such fairly shiny in its own right, but will set early in the morning.
