Orionids Meteor Shower · 2026
Orionids Meteor Shower
The Orionids are the autumn companion to the Eta Aquariids, both born from Halley's Comet (1P/Halley), and they peak the night of Oct 21-22, 2026. This is a quieter shower - NASA cites about 5 to 6 meteors per hour under dark skies - but the meteors are fast and often bright. In 2026 the Moon is roughly 80% full at peak, so some interference is expected. For an RV trip, Death Valley's dark skies still give these faint meteors their best chance.
Peak & active window
Peak night of Oct 21-22, 2026 (NASA lists Oct 22-23); active Oct 2 - Nov 12, 2026 (per NASA)
Rate & parent body
About 5-6/hr under dark skies per NASA · Parent comet: 1P/Halley (Halley's Comet) · Fast, often bright meteors · ~80% Moon interferes in 2026
Where to watch
Any dark, low-light-pollution site with a wide-open sky works; the radiant near Orion rises late in the evening, so the hours after midnight into predawn are best.
Nearest RV base
Death Valley National Park, CA - the third International Dark Sky Park named in the U.S. with little light pollution; developed campgrounds such as Furnace Creek take RVs, making it a strong October dark-sky base.
Watch it honestly
These are modest numbers to begin with, and the 80%-full Moon plus any clouds or light pollution will cut them further - manage expectations honestly. Watch after midnight toward predawn with as wide a view as possible. No telescope is needed; dark-adapt your eyes for 20-30 minutes. Meteor counts vary and are never guaranteed.
Confirm the peak timing and conditions with the source: NASA - Orionids .