Malta Could Catch Tonight's Peak Orionid Meteor Shower

Caused by debris shed by Halley's Comet, the shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour under the right conditions, with some leaving bright, fast-moving trails across the sky. There are, however, real obstacles to a clear view. A bright Moon is expected to wash out the fainter meteors, and cloudy skies with possible early thunderstorms could hamper visibility further.

The odds improve significantly after around 3:07am, when the Moon sets, leaving several hours of darker sky before sunrise at roughly 7:14am. No equipment is needed. Finding a dark spot away from streetlights and allowing your eyes around 20 minutes to adjust is the recommended approach.

Suggested viewing spots in Malta include Dingli Cliffs, Miġra l-Ferħa, Fomm ir-Riħ, and Aħrax tal-Mellieħa, whilst those in Gozo may want to consider Dwejra for its comparatively darker skies. Anyone venturing to cliffside or coastal locations at night is advised to keep to safe, familiar ground. If tonight's weather does not cooperate, the shower remains active beyond the peak, so further opportunities to spot a meteor are expected over the coming nights.

Will you be heading out to catch the Orionids tonight? Source: Lovin Malta