Big Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight Over South Dakota

South Dakotans who enjoy looking up at the night sky and seeing a really cool light show may want to set their alarms!

The annual Orionid meteor shower is reaching its peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning, October 21–22, giving skywatchers a chance to see shooting stars streak across the sky.

According to the Associated Press, the Orionids could produce up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions.

However, a bright moon could make some of the fainter meteors harder to spot.

The good news is that there is still a chance to catch the show, especially during the early morning hours after the moon sets.

The Orionid meteor shower happens every year when Earth passes through debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.

As tiny particles enter Earth's atmosphere at tremendous speeds, they heat up and burn, creating the bright streaks of light we call shooting stars.

The meteors are known for moving quickly and sometimes leaving glowing trails that linger for several seconds.

Although they appear to originate near the constellation Orion, they can be seen across the night sky.

For the best chance of catching the Orionids in South Dakota, head somewhere away from city lights, find a comfortable spot, and give your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

No telescope or special equipment is needed.

The best viewing opportunity is generally after midnight and before dawn, particularly once the moon has set and the sky becomes darker.