The Orionid meteor shower will be visible in the coming weeks as Earth passes through debris left by Halley’s Comet. It matters because it offers a regular chance to see meteors, even though the comet itself will not return to view until 2061.

The shower is active from 2 October to 7 November and is expected to peak overnight on 21–22 October, with the best viewing between midnight and dawn. Under ideal conditions, around 10 to 20 meteors an hour may be seen; they enter the atmosphere at about 41 miles per second. Clearer spells are most likely in southern and eastern England, while cloud, rain or showers may limit views elsewhere; a bright Moon could also hide fainter meteors. Find a dark spot with a wide view, allow your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust and watch with the naked eye.