Every year, one shooting star after another offers us a dazzling spectacle in the night. And this autumn, it’s the Orionids ‘ turn to light up the sky! Until November 7, you’ll be able to observe this magical phenomenon, weather permitting. In any case, here’s how to maximize your chances of seeing these magnificent meteors!
A new shower of shooting stars in the French sky with the Orionids
For anyone with even the slightest interest in astronomy, it’s impossible to have missed the Perseids, the shower of shooting stars that lit up our summer nights with a peak of 100 meteors per hour! And more recently, we were lucky enough to encounter Tsuchinshan-Atlas, the “comet of the century”. But for the current autumn season, it’s the turn of the Orionids to enchant us. In progress since October and currently at their peak, these meteors will never be more visible this year than now, so it’s time to look up to the sky!
Originating from Halley’s comet, this shower in the Orion constellation is visible to the north of the star Betelgeuse. This is precisely where you’ll need to direct your gaze to catch a glimpse of one of the meteors. Choose a dark place around midnight (away from the city and its light pollution, if possible), lie on your back with your feet facing south-east, and watch the sky for white streaks.
Of course, you’ll also need to take into account the weather, which can be a little capricious in autumn. Your chances will be multiplied if the sky is clear.