2023-10-20 01:03:29
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) is inviting Thais to observe the skies on Saturday evening to witness the most spectacular meteor shower of the year.
Every year in October, Earth passes through a field of comet dust called the Orionids. The Orionids were formed in the wake of Halley’s comet, which crosses the solar system every 76 years and whose last passage was in 1986, as those aged 45 and over must remember, many of whom had the chance at the time to observe it with the naked eye. Halley’s next passage is planned for mid-2061.
The Orionids take their name from the constellation Orion, because it is from this direction in the sky that shooting stars appear to come. This meteor shower is known for the brightness and speed of occurrences in the Earth’s atmosphere, at approximately 66 km/s. It is active from early October to early November, with a peak generally observed around October 21.
Under ideal conditions, an observer can expect to see, during the peak, between 10 and 20 glowing meteorites per hour.
On Saturday, the Orionids should be visible in the Thai sky from 10:30 p.m. until Sunday morning, according to the NARIT press release, which emphasizes, however, that the shower of shooting stars will be more intense following 11:30 p.m., when the moon has set.
As with any phenomenon of this kind, in order to observe the Orionids in the best conditions, it is preferable to stay away from any light pollution. And under a clear sky.
With the rainy season coming to an end, Thais have a good chance of not missing this enchanting spectacle.
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