Orionid meteor shower peaks this weekend.

Get your butt off the couch. Your Wi-Fi is compromised, destiny 2 sucks, and Minecraft gives your phone cancer.  You might as well go do something awesome like view the peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower this weekend, courtesy of the earth’s friendliest non-planetary neighbor, Halley’s Comet.

Every 75-ish years, Halley’s Comet swings by earth and looks awe inspiring. Last time it came by was to sing the exaltations of my coming birth in 1986. We won’t get to see the comet itself until around 2061. This doesn’t stop our solar system buddy from providing entertainment to the world once a year in October.

Halley’s Comet leaves behind all manner of garbage and space dust as it travels through space. Every year, when the Earth crosses the path of Halley’s Comet, we plunge headfirst through this debris creating some of the most intense nature made fireworks the solar system can offer without total annihilation of human life. To get the most out of your viewing, a little planning goes a long way. If you live near a large or even medium size metropolitan area, you’re going to want to pack up a few snacks, more than a few beers, and I’d recommend some folding camping chairs. Drive at least a good 15-20 minutes once you leave the city and find a small clearing to set up camp, otherwise the light pollution from your city won’t allow you to get the full effect.  

Good luck, fellow stargazers. Hope all goes well. If you notice a particularly large meteor, you may want to take some cover.