What meteor showers should you watch for this October?

Two meteor showers are expected to illuminate the sky this month, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) October 2026 Calendar of Astronomical Events.

According to the bureau, the Orionid meteor shower is active from October 2 to November 7, and will reach its peak activity around October 21.

During its peak, it is expected to produce up to 15 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.

“The shower is produced by dust and debris shed by Comet 1P/Halley, with its radiant situated in the constellation Orion,” the PAGASA explained.

The best time to observe the Orionid meteor shower is around 4 a.m. when the radiant climbs to its highest altitude, after rising above the eastern horizon at approximately 9:59 p.m.

Although the meteor shower remains visible until about 5:24 a.m., the Waxing Gibbous Moon will cause significant light interference throughout the night, according to PAGASA.

Meanwhile, the Leonis Minorid meteor shower is a minor annual meteor shower active from October 19 to 27, with its peak activity expected around October 24.

“It is associated with Comet C/1739 K1 and produces up to two (2) meteors per hour under perfectly dark-sky conditions. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Leo Minor, which gives the shower its name,” the bureau explained.

According to PAGASA, the radiant rises above the eastern horizon at approximately 1:46 a.m. and remains visible until dawn at around 5:24 a.m.

Viewing conditions for the Leonis Minorid meteor shower will be best around 5:00 a.m. as the radiant reaches its highest point. However, the bureau noted that a near-full moon in Pisces is expected to brighten the sky and hamper visibility all night long.

Meteor showers are observable through the naked eye. To maximize the viewing experience, the PAGASA advises choosing a dark observation site away from the city lights under clear and moonless sky conditions.

Visit PAGASA’s website to see the bureau’s full astronomical calendar for October 2026. — LA, GMA News