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Orionid meteor shower of Halley's Comet debris will peak over Britain tonight, but a bright Moon could spoil it

Skywatchers could spot 10 to 20 meteors an hour in the early hours of Thursday 22 October, with debris from Halley's comet hitting the atmosphere at 41 miles per second.
Skywatchers could spot 10 to 20 meteors an hour in the early hours of Thursday 22 October, with debris from Halley's comet hitting the atmosphere at 41 miles per second.

Forecasters expect dry, clear and chilly skies across much of Scotland, giving stargazers a strong chance of spotting fast meteors and bright fireballs. The best window is after midnight and before dawn, when Orion sits highest in the sky. Experts advise heading away from streetlights and allowing 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust. Anyone who misses tonight can still catch the shower until 7 November.

Astronomer Jonti Horner warns: 'This year will probably be a quiet one.'

Dark, clear skies normally deliver 20 to 30 Orionid meteors an hour.

Stargazers have been recording the Orionids for at least 2,500 years.

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