“The Orionid meteor shower peaks tonight in the UK. Here’s why you don’t want to miss it”

Key points

• The Orionid meteor shower peaks tonight in the UK during a period lasting through November.
• Maximum activity is expected on Wednesday, 21 October, with visibility affected by the waxing gibbous Moon.
• The shower has been active since 2 October and runs for about a week near its peak.
• Observers are advised to find dark skies and watch eastward to spot dim meteors.
• The meteors originate from debris left by Halley's Comet, officially 1P/Halley.