NORFOLK, Va. — The Orionid Meteor Shower, peaking on October 21, is set to dazzle stargazers with up to 20 meteors per hour streaking across the night sky.

This annual event occurs as Earth passes through the trail of debris left behind by Halley's Comet, one of the most famous comets visible from Earth. Tiny fragments from the comet enter our atmosphere at incredible speeds, burning up and producing bright, fast-moving streaks of light that can leave trails lasting several seconds.

Although the Orionids are active from September 26 through November 22, the best viewing opportunity comes on the night of October 21, from just before midnight until around 2 a.m.

LEARN MORE: Meteor shower from Halley's Comet will peak this week

This peak coincides with the October new moon, when the moon

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