Light Show! The Science Behind The Orionid Meteor Shower

Published: Oct. 20, 2023, 7 a.m.

We're about to hit peak Orionid meteor shower! According to NASA, it's one of the most beautiful showers of the year. The Orionids are known for their brightness and speed \u2014 they streak through the sky at 66 km/s! And today, we learn all about them \u2014 where they come from, what makes a meteor a meteor and how to get the best view of them this weekend.

Have a cosmic question? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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