ElaineIf you’ve ever dreamed of seeing shooting stars dance across the night sky, you’re in luck. This October, Singapore’s skies will light up with one of the most stunning celestial shows of the year. The Orionid meteor shower.
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What’s happening in the sky
Halleys Comet | Image credit: Digital Vision. via Canva Pro
The Orionids aren’t just any random flashes of light; they’re actually fragments from Halley’s Comet, burning up in Earth’s atmosphere as our planet passes through its trail of space debris. Each tiny fragment hits the atmosphere at incredible speed, creating those brief but breathtaking streaks of light we fondly call “shooting stars.”
The shower gets its name from the Orion constellation, also known as “the Hunter,” because the meteors appear to emerge from that region of the sky. According to the Science Centre Observatory, the Orionids are among the most impressive meteor showers you can see with the naked eye.
When to watch
The Orionid meteor shower happens every year from 2 Oct 2025 to 7 Nov 2025, but it will reach its peak between midnight and dawn on 21 and 22 Oct 2025. For two nights, on 21 and 22 Oct 2025, stargazers can look forward to catching dozens of meteors streaking across the darkness, no telescope required. The best viewing is usually after 2 am, when Orion rises higher in the sky.
If the weather plays nice, you can expect to see around 10 to 20 meteors an hour, and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a few brilliant fireballs from particularly fast-moving meteors.
Where to watch in Singapore
We all know Singapore’s city lights can make stargazing tricky, but it’s not impossible. To catch the best view, head to dark, open areas away from light pollution, such as parks, beaches, reservoirs or open fields. Some good spots include East Coast Park, Marina Barrage, or even the open areas at Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Bring along a picnic mat, recline under the stars, and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. No fancy equipment is needed, just patience and maybe a friend or two to share the moment with.
What to expect
Meteor shower | Image credit: forplayday via Canva Pro
Meteors look like quick streaks of light that flash across the sky for just a second or two. They’re small pieces of rock burning up in Earth’s atmosphere, glowing brightly before fading into the night. It’s a reminder of how small we are in the vast universe and a rare chance to slow down, look up, and just enjoy the wonder of it all.
Join regular stargazing sessions
Image credit: Science Centre Official Website
While the Science Centre Observatory won’t be holding special events for the meteor shower itself, its Friday night stargazing sessions are still happening. These sessions are a great opportunity to view stars and planets through telescopes and learn a little more about what’s happening above us. You can find more details about these sessions on the Science Centre Website.
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Final thoughts
So mark your calendars and set an alarm for after midnight. With clear skies, a bit of patience, and a spot away from city lights, you’ll be treated to a cosmic show that’s well worth losing a little sleep for.
