When is the best time to watch the Leonid meteor shower? The third meteor shower of this month will come to earth after the tianlonga meteor shower and the South Taurus meteor shower. Astronomical experts reported that the Orionid meteor shower with the "Halley comet" pedigree will usher in a huge number of meteors, about 20 per hour. For the Chinese public, the best observation period is from the early morning of the 21st to before dawn.
Orion meteor shower is famous for its mother comet, Halley's comet. This is the first comet in human history to confirm its cycle, which 'breeds' the Aquarius ETA meteor shower in the first half of each year and the Orion meteor shower in the second half of each year.
Astronomical data show that the annual active period of the Orionid meteor shower covers almost the whole October, and its characteristics are very obvious, the meteor speed is fast, there are many bright meteors, and it is white, and the peak flow lasts for a long time, all of these characteristics make it more suitable for public observation.
The radiant point of Orion meteor shower is between Orion and Gemini, which is easier to observe in the northern hemisphere. "Said Zhao Zhiheng, member of China Astronomical Society and director of Tianjin astronomical society.
Astronomical forecast shows that this year's Orionid meteor shower took place around the 21st, with no obvious outbreak expected. The maximum peak is relatively gentle, with about 20 meteors crossing the eastern night sky every hour.
Zhao Zhiheng pointed out that for Chinese observers, the most suitable observation period is from the early morning of the 21st to before dawn. When observing, it is better to choose a place with clean atmosphere, wide vision and no light, and pay attention to cold prevention and warmth preservation. "Due to the long active period, if the weather is fine, the interested public can observe and take photos of the Orionid meteor shower in the next week. '
At the same time, the astronomy experts also remind that, at present, human beings can not accurately calculate the distribution structure of comet dust particles of meteor shower mother, so they can not accurately predict the occurrence and scale of meteor shower just like the prediction of solar eclipse and lunar eclipse. The public should have certain psychological anticipation and preparation when observing.