|
 The Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place for many things, and one of my favorites is observing meteor showers. Here we are giving you some information on how and where to view the Orionids. We hope everyone catches a glimpse of this meteor shower which begins early October and ends the first week of November. The peak week centers on October 21, so expect the best shows around that time.
The Orionids are a meteor shower caused from Earth traveling through the debris trail of Halley's Comet. The particles of comet dust fall into the atmosphere and create what we call shooting stars. These particles hit Earth's atmosphere at a very high rate of speed (approximately 148,000 mph). Only the Leonids in November are faster. The effect caused by these collisions is brilliant glowing trails that may last from a few seconds to several minutes. Although Halley's Comet is far away, it still produces this meteor shower twice a year. It appears in May in the southern hemisphere and once again in October in the northern hemisphere. So the observer may view the meteors throughout the month but on the peak days they will be seen at rates of up to 20 meteors an hour.
It's a good idea to consult the lunar calendar to catch the perfect time when moonlight will cause the least interference while viewing this famous autumn star show. The best time to look is shortly before local sunrise -- around 5:00 or 5:30 in the morning. Sky watchers with clear dark skies will spot a meteor every five minutes or so.
Meteors will streak out of the constellation Orion, hence why they're called the Orionids. The radiant point is near Orion's left shoulder; it is also, coincidentally, near the bright planet Saturn. Simply look south and up--you can't miss it. But don't stare too long at the radiant as Orionids that appear there will seem short and stubby, a result of foreshortening. Instead, look toward any dark region of the sky about 90 degrees away. You'll see just as many Orionids, but they will seem longer and more dramatic.
You will notice that other minor meteor showers will be going on at the time and stray meteors, more commonly called sporadics, will frequently be seen that do not belong to a meteor shower. When you see a meteor, mentally trace it backwards and if you arrive at the region just northeast of the main body of Orion, it is probably an Orionid.
Where You Can Watch Meteor Showers on the Blue Ridge Parkway
|
There are many places along the Parkway where you will have great views of open sky. Here is a small list that we have compiled, giving locations that are accessible from the entire length of the Parkway. Click on an overlooks name for a virtual tour.
Keep in mind that the higher elevations can get very chilly late at night and you should be dressed appropriately.
|
| |
|
|
|
