The Moon bugs out just in time to enjoy the peak of the Orionids, which trace their origin to Halley’s Comet.

Orion, famous for its easily recognized Belt, hosts the annual Orionid meteor shower, which peaks the night of Oct. 21–22.

Bob King

Orion is a favorite constellation for many. Its conspicuous Belt and numerous bright stars make an indelible impression. As a child, I remember standing on my bed in pajamas looking out the window — shade tucked behind my head — watching the celestial Hunter climb over the next-door neighbor's roof on January nights. I pointed my 2.4-inch refractor this way to see my very first nebula. Later, I learned that a meteor shower — the Orionids — sprang from the constellation every October, and that the zippy flashes were pieces of Halley's Comet. How could a single constellation be this wonderful?

Orionids stream from a radiant located about 10° northeast of 1.0-magnitude Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis). Orion stands high in the south-southeasternern sky after moonset.…