Check Out a Meteor Shower in (or Outside of) Mississauga This Weekend

If you like stargazing, you might be happy to know that the Orionids meteor shower is set to hit its peak this weekend, according to a recent Science Alert article.

If you’re into astronomy, you’re probably aware that October is a big month because the Earth passes through comet debris (I did not know that prior to reading the Science Alert article, but now that I am aware, I will be more mindful of the sky during the fall). According to the article, we’re “cruising through the tail of Halley’s comet and the result is one of the best sky-watching events of the year, the Orionoid meteor shower.”

Although the shower will last until Nov. 7, it should be most spectacular on Oct. 20 and 21. If you decide to watch it, you might get to see up to 20 meteors per hour.

According to Science Alert, the meteor shower can also produce fireballs (meaning some meteors will shine very brightly before fading).

Although you might be able to catch a glimpse of the action from the city, you might see more if you travel a little outside of Mississauga to find a place with “low light pollution.” The darker the sky and your surroundings, the better off you’ll be.

The best time to watch? After moonset at around 12:31 a.m. to dawn at 5:49 a.m. from October 20 to 22. You can also check out this this livestream by the Slooh Online Observatory.

Enjoy the sky this weekend, everyone!