Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

The Orionid meteor shower is active from October 2 through November 7, 2026, and is expected to peak overnight October 21–22. For the best chance of seeing meteors, find a dark, safe viewing spot and watch after the Moon sets and before dawn. The waxing gibbous Moon will hide some fainter meteors, so check your local moonset time and cloud forecast before heading out.

When do the Orionids peak in 2026?

NASA lists the Orionids as active October 2–November 7, with the peak on the night of October 21 into the morning of October 22. The peak is a period rather than a guaranteed burst at a single local time; darkness, cloud cover, and your location affect what you can see. See NASA’s Orionids reference and its October 2026 skywatching guide.

How many meteors might you see?

NASA gives a general estimate of 10–20 meteors per hour under dark skies. In its October 5, 2026 guidance, NASA estimates around 3–6 per hour in suburban areas with ambient light. These are estimates, not guaranteed counts: actual visibility depends on sky darkness, moonlight, weather, and how much of the sky is unobstructed. The estimates appear in NASA’s shower reference and October 5 article.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Exceptional Orionid years in 2006–2009 produced 50–75 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society’s 2026/2027 calendar. That is historical context, not a forecast for 2026.

#1 Best Overall
Celticbird Telescope for Adults High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm AZ Mount Refractor Telescope for Kids Beginners - Portable Telescopes for Adults Astronomy with Backpack, Phone Adapter, Moon Filter
  • 【Excellent Optics】Astronomical telescope features 80mm aperture 600mm(f/6.7) focal length-The big aperture can capture more light; high transmission multi-fully coated optical lens can improve light transmittance, reduce the reflection of light. It will bring you more bright and clear images.
  • 【Portable & Stable】Our refractor telescope has a backbag, an adjustable aluminum tripod and an upgraded phone adapter. All accessories can be packed into the bag, which is convenient for you to carry and storage for traveling. The tripod is stable and the height can adjust from 17.7" to 52", which is suitable for adults and kids. With the phone adapter, you can take amazing photos through your phone.
  • 【Easy to Operate】 This telescope is easy to assemble even for astronomy beginners and kids. You can set up easily with the detail installation manual and video. No tools are required. It’s a great astronomy gift telescope for adults, astronomy enthusiasts, beginners and kids 8-12.
  • 【Optimum Magnification】Our telescope for kids and adults is equipped with two replaceable excellent-quality eyepiecesa (20mm and 9mm) for 30X and 66X magnification. A moon filter transmits only 13 percent of the incoming light and improving contrast. Also with 5x24 finderscope, you can locate objects easily. A great option for astronomy lovers to explore the moon, Saturn and Jupiter.
  • 【Satisfaction Service】We provide 3 years satisfaction service. If you have any questions about the product and service, please feel free to contact us to get 24-hour technical support from our expert team. Whether observing moon or viewing planets, our telescope can meet your all needs. It’s a great telescope for adults & 8-12 kids & astronomy beginners.

How will the Moon affect the 2026 shower?

The American Meteor Society lists the Moon at 74% illumination, waxing gibbous, on the October 21–22 peak. Moonlight can wash out faint meteors, making a dark location and careful timing more important. NASA recommends watching after moonset and before dawn; the exact moonset time depends on where you are, so check a local sky or weather app for your location rather than relying on a universal time.

How to see meteors from Halley’s Comet

  1. Choose a dark, safe spot. Get away from bright outdoor lights if practical. Favor a place with a wide, unobstructed view and safe access after dark.
  2. Check conditions for your location. Look up the cloud forecast and local moonset time for the night of October 21–22. If clouds block the sky, or the Moon is still up, visibility will be reduced.
  3. Go out after moonset, before dawn. NASA favors the hours before dawn after the Moon has set. Plan enough time to settle in and watch rather than expecting a meteor exactly at the peak’s start.
  4. Let your eyes adjust and scan broadly. Look across the sky, not only at Orion. The radiant—the apparent point from which the meteors seem to spread—is just north of Betelgeuse, but meteors can streak far from it. NASA’s observing guidance is to find a dark location, give your eyes time to adjust, and look up.

Why are they called the Orionids?

The Orionids form when Earth passes through debris left by 1P/Halley, better known as Halley’s Comet. As particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they appear as streaks of light. NASA gives their speed as about 41 miles (66 kilometers) per second. The Orionid name comes from the shower’s radiant near Orion; it does not mean you must look only at that constellation.

Rank #2
Sale
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
  • Superior Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect full positive telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
  • Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
  • Wireless Remote: This refractor telescope includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
  • Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
  • Satisfaction: Buy with confidence from a leading manufacturer.

Do you need binoculars or a telescope?

No. For visual meteor watching, use your unaided eyes: they let you take in a broad area of sky, where meteors may appear in different directions. Binoculars and telescopes narrow your field of view and are not needed to see the shower.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Can you photograph the Orionids?

Photography is optional and separate from simply watching. A tripod can help keep a camera steady during long exposures, but it is not necessary for viewing meteors. Space.com’s October 2026 observing guide discusses photography guidance.

Best Value
Sale
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope with Backpack
  • BRIGHT, SHARP VIEWS ANYWHERE: Unlike many beginner telescopes, this quality refractor features fully coated glass lenses and a 70mm aperture for crisp, clear views of the Moon, planets, and daytime scenery—all in a lightweight, travel-ready design.
  • PERFECT FIRST TELESCOPE FOR BEGINNERS: Designed for adults and kids to enjoy together, this beginner-friendly telescope sets up in minutes and delivers rewarding views with no prior experience required.
  • EASY NO-TOOL SETUP: No complicated assembly or tools needed. The full-height tripod and telescope tube set up in seconds and pack neatly into the included backpack—so you’re always ready to observe on the go.
  • DUAL EYEPIECES FOR VERSATILE VIEWS: Includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces for wide and close-up views of celestial and terrestrial targets. Spot craters on the Moon at night or wildlife during the day.
  • BONUS BACKPACK AND SOFTWARE: Includes a padded backpack with room for accessories, a finderscope, star diagonal, eyepieces, and a free download of Starry Night software to help you identify celestial objects and plan your next stargazing session.
Rank #4
Dianfan Telescope, 90mm Aperture 800mm Telescope for Adults High Powered, Portable Professional Astronomy Refractor Telescopes for Beginners, with Stainless Steel Tripod & Phone Adapter, Carry Bag
  • Superior Optics: Dianfan astronomy telescope features a focal length of 800 mm and a fully coated 90 mm objective lens. The large aperture gathers more light for brighter, clearer views, high-transmission coatings enhance contrast and color for sharp, vivid images for an enjoyable stargazing experience
  • Powerful Magnification: With two eyepieces and a 3× Barlow lens, this telescope offers 32×–240× magnification. It allows you to observe craters and lunar seas on the surface of the Moon. With the 45° zenith mirror, images are upright and correctly oriented for terrestrial viewing, making distant targets details easier to observe. The telescope is ideal for beginners and astronomy enthusiasts
  • Quick Setup & Beginner-Friendly: User-friendly design with clear instructions makes assembly simple—ready in about 15 minutes. Smooth focusing helps you quickly locate targets. Perfect for families to enjoy stargazing and explore the night sky together
  • Portable & Versatile: Lightweight design with a sturdy stainless steel tripod ensures stable, steady viewing. Easy to carry in the included bag, making it perfect for travel and outdoor adventures. Suitable for stargazing, birdwatching, wildlife observation, and exploring cityscapes
  • Professional Astronomical Telescope: The Dianfan 90x800 telescope combines quality , functionality and reliability. It delivers high-resolution views that bring the universe closer. Designed for adults high powered, it inspires interest in astronomy and science while encouraging exploration of the starry sky
Rank #3
Sale
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone Guided Telescope
  • SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
  • PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
  • TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
  • SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
  • 114MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 4.5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.