New Delhi, October 19: Halley's Comet is arguably the most famous comet in history. Skygazers around the world, mark your calendars as the “shooting stars” will be visible on October 20-21. They will appear to originate from the Orion constellation. It will be visible just above Orion's belt of three bright stars, in what has been named the 'Orionid meteor shower'.

The comet, officially called 1P/Halley, is named after the English astronomer Edmund Halley who examined reports of a comet approaching Earth in 1531, 1607 and 1682. As a "periodic" comet, it returns to Earth's vicinity about every 75 years, making it possible for a person to see it twice in their lifetime. The Orionids are caused by dust and debris left in the inner Solar System by Halley's Comet. Quadrantids Meteor Shower 2023 Date & Visibility in India: Know Origin, Timings and Live Stream Details To Witness The Bright Fireball Meteors.

Date and Time of Halley’s Comet

Halley’s Comet was last seen in 1986 in the inner solar system. It will likely return in 2061 after reaching its halfway point in December of this year and then beginning its journey back towards the inner solar system. The Orionid meteor shower, which is spawned by Halley's fragments, occurs annually in October. They are already active starting on September 26 and set to continue until November 22, although the significant peak is on Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21. Perseid Meteor Shower 2023 Live Streaming Video: Know How and Where to See Spectacular Celestial Event.

Orionids are a result of dust and debris from comets, which release energy when they strike the Earth's atmosphere. The upcoming Orionid is one of two annual meteor showers caused by Halley's Comet, the other being “Eta Aquarids” seen in April this year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2023 12:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).