Viewing conditions across Asia for this weekend's Orionid meteor shower
One of the most famous meteor showers of the year is set to reach its peak this weekend as the Orionids will be visible in the night sky.
The meteor shower is created by particles from Halley’s Comet, which Earth passes through twice a year, according to Space.com.
As these comet particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and glow, creating the shooting star effect.
While the meteor shower will produce around 20-25 meteors for viewing each hour, we will be approaching a full moon, which will create extra light in the sky.
Despite the less-than-ideal lunar conditions, if you can find a good spot away from city lights and with a clear sky, it will be one of the biggest shows of the year.
The peak viewing will begin around 2 a.m. on Sunday night and Monday night and last until sunrise. You will want to give yourself at least 15 minutes in the dark for your eyes to adjust before having optimal viewing. The viewing will be most optimal after the moon sets in your location.
The other issue will be dealing with pesky clouds, which could prevent you from seeing most or all of the meteors depending on where you will be viewing them.
The best conditions for viewing will be found from Oman into Afghanistan and Pakistan. Other areas that can expect good viewing conditions are northern China, Japan and over the Himalaya Mountains.
Overnight temperatures will be comfortable across Oman and Pakistan, while warmer clothing may be needed if you plan to view the meteor showering Pakistan, northern and western China or Japan.
Unfortunately, those hoping to catch a view of the meteors in southern India, Indochina, eastern China and the Philippines will have to contend with thick cloud cover and the risk for rainfall.
Conditions across much of Russia and northern Kazakhstan will be poor as a storm blankets the region with snow showers.
The night will likely start off good for viewing across South Korea; however, an increase in clouds after midnight could obstruct viewing during the most optimal time.
If the weather doesn’t allow for viewing in your area during the peak of the event, don’t give up, as at least some meteors will be visible each night through Oct. 29.
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