Jeddah:The Orionid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of Wednesday, October 21, into the early hours of Thursday, October 22, 2026. This annual astronomical event will provide a spectacular display for observers in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world, as fast-moving streaks of light are created by particles from Halley's Comet.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Jeddah Astronomy Society President Majed Abu Zahra described the Orionids as a moderate meteor shower, with a theoretical peak rate of around 20 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The number of visible meteors can vary based on factors such as sky clarity, light pollution, moonlight, and the altitude of the meteor shower's radiant.

Abu Zahra advised that the best viewing times start after midnight, with visibility improving as the night progresses, especially after the moon sets. The waxing gibbous Moon, at 74% illumination on the peak night, will obscure some fainter meteors while above the horizon. However, after moonset, better viewing opportunities will be available until sunrise.

He recommended that observers select a dark location away from city lights with a broad view of the sky, allow their eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust, and refrain from using bright phone screens. Abu Zahra emphasized that the meteor shower is best viewed with the naked eye, and there is no need for telescopes or binoculars. Observers do not need to focus on the Orion constellation, as meteors can appear far from it.