An Orionid meteor shower was spotted in several US states on Monday, including Pittsburg, Cleveland, Detroit and Columbus. The Orionid meteors, active due to Halley's Comet, since late September, was forecasted to reach their peak on Sunday and Monday, as per the American Meteor Society.
Users shared photos and videos of spotting meteors in the sky on social media. Here are some of the photos:
Actually saw a meteor shower over the city tonight pic.twitter.com/pbx5QyA7PY
— I mean… (@NoNameVisionary) October 21, 2024
As per a NASA official quoted in a report by the Associated Press, the meteor shower may result in 20 to 60 visible meteors per hour. However, to view the meteors, there have to be ideal viewing conditions, which is a concern this time around.
Most of the US is witnessing one of two annual meteor showers from Hailey's Comet on a night when the waning moon will be 83% full.
Finally found the Comet!! Lots going on in the sky tonight with perfect viewing conditions! The comet for one, but also the Orionid Meteor Shower☄️ pic.twitter.com/4zczPH1RBV
— Amanda Verrier (@AmandaWTOV9) October 21, 2024
The view of a #meteorshower from Foggy Bottom to enhance this amazing Fall sunset pic.twitter.com/Nlm66vIYvN
— Diego Lestat Damasio (@dlestat) October 21, 2024
The Sky's have been so beautiful & clear with real clouds and last night as I was looking for the meteor shower at 1 am the first plane went overhead then back and forth all morning to present 6 :30 pm. pic.twitter.com/oldBPrPonP
— Mick (@Rickylem2) October 21, 2024
photos of the comet last night!! got to see it close up w my telescope too. meteor shower tn so gonna watch that as well pic.twitter.com/JndXszcZai
— pumpkin spice 🪬 (@spice_etoiles) October 21, 2024
The Orionid meteor shower will last till November 22.
Most meteor showers come from comet debris, with the Orionids originating from Halley’s comet. As space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, air resistance heats them up. This creates a glowing effect and a fiery tail, resulting in a “shooting star.”
The next big meteor shower in the US is the Southern Taurid meteor shower. It is forecasted to peak in early November.