Maryland residents are in for a treat tonight as they have the chance to witness the Orionid meteor shower. This annual event will light up the night sky with shooting stars, providing a dazzling display for those who are able to view it. The meteor shower is expected to peak tonight, October 21st, with the best viewing opportunities in the early morning hours before dawn.
In addition to the celestial spectacle of the Orionid meteor shower, Maryland residents can also look forward to a nice week of weather ahead. According to CBS News, the forecast predicts clear skies and mild temperatures for the week, providing the perfect conditions for outdoor activities or simply enjoying the fall weather.
The Orionid meteor shower is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, which orbits the sun every 76 years. As the Earth passes through the debris trail left by the comet, the debris burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating the streaks of light known as shooting stars. The Orionid meteor shower is one of the most reliable and well-known meteor showers, with up to 20 meteors visible per hour under optimal conditions.
To best view the meteor shower, residents are advised to find a dark area away from city lights, lie back, and look up at the sky. The peak of the meteor shower is expected to occur in the early morning hours, so setting an alarm for pre-dawn hours may be necessary to catch the best show.
Overall, Maryland residents have an exciting night of meteor hunting ahead, followed by a pleasant week of weather to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this celestial event and make sure to take advantage of the clear skies for stargazing in the days to come.
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