Has Halley’s Comet returned sooner than expected? Here's when to look and what’s lighting up the sky this week?

October brings a series of celestial display every week and the next coming days can expect to witness a piece of Halley’s Comet. While astronomers have predicted the appearance of Halley’s Comnet decades later, is leftovers, however, are about to give stargazers a reason to step outside. Before the bright full moon appears on October 26, the Orionid meteor shower is set to dazzle the sky this week as Earth travels through dust shed by the famous comet.

A bright moon will compete with the display for much of the night. If you are planning to witness the celestial spectacle, you need to hold your horses after dinner and go outside only around moonset.

When does the Orionid meteor shower peak in 2026?

Astronomers and skywatchers and watch the spectacular display on the night of Wednesday, October 21 and into Thursday, October 22, as confirmed by NASA’s October guide.


While the shower will peak on October 21 but it is not the only night when you can watch the display. The shower builds over several nights beore its peak. Its is expected that the view would be visible during some early mornings close to October 21.


A waxing gibbous moon will hide some fainter meteors. The Planetary Society recommends waiting until it sets late at night. Check local moonset times before choosing when to watch.

How is Halley’s Comet behind the shooting stars?

During visits to the inner solar system, Halley’s Comet releases material that spreads along its orbit. Earth encounters some of those particles each October.

The particles enter our atmosphere and produce the bright streaks called meteors. Halley’s debris also creates May’s Eta Aquarid meteor shower. The comet itself last appeared in 1986. Its next return is expected in 2061, following another roughly 76-year journey around the sun.

How many Orionid meteors could you see?

NASA lists about 10–20 meteors per hour under dark skies. Treat that figure as a guide rather than a promise. Moonlight and nearby streetlights can reduce the number visible.

Orionids enter the atmosphere at around 66 kilometres per second. Some leave glowing trails that linger after the initial flash. Watching patiently gives you a better chance of catching those fleeting moments.

Where should you look for the Orionids?

If you are planning to watch the celestial display, you need to pick a dark location with a wide view. The shower will be visible from both the hemispheres making it a delightful display for all.

Orion marks the direction from which the meteors appear to emerge. Staring straight at the constellation can make their paths look shorter. Look across a broader patch of sky instead.

You need to let yourself and your eyes to adjust to the sheer darkness for about 30 minutes to get a good view of the shower. Keep your phones away as watching your phone and then the display will not give you a nice view. Don’t use your binoculars or telescopes as it would create an obstruction, just relish with your naked eyes.

FAQs

Is Halley’s Comet returning in October 2026?

No. The Orionids come from its debris. The comet returns in 2061.

What is the best time to watch?

After local moonset and before dawn offers a darker viewing window.