Orionids Meteor Shower 2012: Where to Watch In And Near Los Altos

Earth began passing through a stream of debris from Halley's Comet beginning Oct. 15, which gives us the benefit of the annual Orionids meteor shower.

The offspring of Halley's Comet are about to put on quite a show Saturday night, if the approaching storm, predicted for Sunday, doesn't provide too much cloud cover.

The shower should be at its peak the night of Saturday, Oct. 20, until just before dawn on Oct. 21. This year, the moon will be setting at approximately midnight, which will keep the sky darkened enough that—barring cloud cover—you should be able to see up to 15 meteors per hour.

Head toward the hills and away from the lights of the city for best viewing. Byrne Preserve, the town Little League fields in Los Altos Hills are possible candidates. Remember that public spaces such as Rancho San Antonio Park are closed after sunset, so look for places that are unrestricted. 

Check out NASA's page for streaming video.

If you like to guided watching, Los Altos Patch has provided information the nearest star parties that coincide with the observance of "Astronomy Day," Oct. 20.

- Foothills Park Star Party - 7 to 10 p.m. Peninsula Astronomical Society. This park open to Palo Alto residents and their guests only, so if you're lucky enough to have a friend in Palo Alto who wants to go, and can invite you as a guest, you're in (Limit of 15 guests in two cars per resident). Get there early to assure entry. Bring dinner, a blanket and a telescope to share, if you have one. Note: the park officially closes at the time the party starts, so get there early enough so the ranger can let you in.

- Family Science and Astronomy Festival - 2 to 11 p.m., College of San Mateo San Mateo Astronomy Society. Night is for the meteor shower and the day is full of activities: The Family Science and Astronomy Festival is a kids friendly introduction to the sciences including Astronomy, Geology, Physics, Biology, Anatomy and Chemistry exhibits and hands on activities.  The theme of the day is "Life on Mars and Beyond." The keynote speaker is Dr. Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute speaking on"The Search for Life Nearby, and Beyond." 1700 West Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo, 94402. (Campus directions: Arriving on CSM campus, stay on Hillsdale Blvd. to Lot 5 Marie Curie. Take the Science Bldg. 36 elevator to the 4th floor rooftop observatory)

Bring a blanket or two, or perhaps a chair, if you want to be comfortable for a while, looking skywards. It's best to be with a friend—or perhaps a romantic partner, as "Astro Prof" Andrew Fraknoi always playfully suggests. And then sit back in the darkness and watch the stars.

Basic meteor-watching tips from the Night Sky Network advise that you lie down on a blanket, air mattress or reclining chair, dress in layers, since you will be still for a long time, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Watch the whole sky to catch movement. Before long, you'll see faint meteors.

That said, just which direction to look takes some basic knowledge. Meteor showers get their names from the constellations in the sky where they can be spotted. And what's easier to spot than Orion the Hunter?

The stars tend to shoot from Orion's club, pierce Taurus the Bull, the Gemini twins, Leo the Lion and finally, Canis Major, home of Sirius, the brightest star we can see—well, aside from the sun.

There's also something else that's special about this show: With the second-fastest entry velocity of all the annual meteor showers, meteors from the Orionids produce yellow and green colors and occasionally produce an odd fireball.

To make sure you get the best view possible, remember to check the weather forecast and conditions before you head outside to watch.