The annual meteor shower peaks overnight on 21 and 22 October, offering stargazers in Ibiza and Formentera a chance to see fast-moving shooting stars from Halley’s Comet. The best viewing conditions are expected in the hours before dawn, after the Moon sets.

Stargazers in Ibiza and Formentera will have an opportunity to watch one of October’s main astronomical events when the Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak during the night of 21 to 22 October 2026.

The annual shower is known for its fast-moving meteors, which streak across the night sky as tiny fragments of debris from Halley’s Comet enter Earth’s atmosphere. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, the Orionids can produce approximately 10 to 20 meteors per hour, although the number actually visible will depend on the weather, artificial lighting and the brightness of the Moon.

This year, moonlight will present an additional challenge. The Moon will be in its waxing gibbous phase during the peak, making some of the fainter shooting stars more difficult to spot. However, conditions are expected to improve after the Moon sets in the early hours of the morning.

When Will the Orionid Meteor Shower Peak in 2026?

The Orionids are active annually from approximately 2 October to 7 November, with the highest activity expected around 21 October.

In 2026, the peak falls overnight from Wednesday, 21 October, into Thursday, 22 October. This means the most relevant observing period begins on Wednesday evening and continues into the early hours of Thursday morning.

Meteor showers do not switch on and off at a precise moment. Shooting stars may also be visible on the nights surrounding the predicted peak, so anyone unable to observe on 21 October may still have opportunities to catch the display later in the month.

The predicted rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour applies to ideal observing conditions. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that observers in Ibiza will see that many meteors every hour. Moonlight, cloud cover and light pollution can significantly reduce the number visible to the naked eye.

What Is the Best Time to See Shooting Stars from Ibiza?

For observers in Ibiza, the best opportunity is expected during the second half of the night, particularly after the Moon sets.

The Spanish National Geographic Institute indicates that the Moon will set at approximately 03:00 local official time during the relevant period. This should leave a darker window before dawn, when conditions may be more favourable for spotting fainter meteors.

The shower’s radiant, the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate, rises above the horizon around midnight at these latitudes. As the night progresses, it climbs higher, improving the opportunity to observe the shower.

For this reason, those prepared to stay awake into the early morning may have a better chance of seeing shooting stars than observers looking only during the first part of the evening.

Actual visibility will still depend on cloud cover and local conditions, so a clear forecast is essential.

Where Should You Watch the Orionids in Ibiza?

Ibiza’s countryside and less illuminated areas can offer more favourable conditions for stargazing than brightly lit urban and tourist centres.

For the best chance of seeing the Orionids, choose a safe observing location with a broad, unobstructed view of the sky and as little artificial light as possible. Avoid positions directly beneath streetlights or close to brightly illuminated buildings.

The surrounding countryside may offer darker skies, but conditions vary across the island. Check access arrangements before travelling to a remote location, and avoid entering private property or protected areas where access is restricted.

There is no need to find a particular viewing platform or point a telescope towards a specific constellation. Once you are in a suitably dark location, simply allowing yourself time to observe the sky can be more useful than trying to follow every passing meteor.

Do You Need a Telescope?

No. The Orionids are best observed with the naked eye because shooting stars can appear across a wide area of the sky.

Telescopes and binoculars are designed to concentrate on smaller areas, which makes them less practical for following a meteor shower. Instead, give your eyes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness.

Avoid looking at bright phone screens during this time, as the light can interfere with your night vision. If you need to check the time or weather, use the dimmest practical screen setting.

It is also worth bringing an extra layer of clothing if you plan to remain outdoors for several hours.

Why Could the Moon Make the Orionids Harder to See?

The Moon will be in its waxing gibbous phase during the peak, meaning more than half of its visible surface will be illuminated.

Its brightness will increase the overall light in the sky, reducing the contrast between fainter meteors and the surrounding darkness. This can make the shower appear less active than it would under a darker sky.

Waiting until after moonset should improve the viewing conditions by reducing this source of natural light pollution. The hours before dawn on Thursday, 22 October, are therefore expected to provide the most promising opportunity during the main peak.

Even in favourable locations, however, there is no guarantee of a particular number of shooting stars. Cloud cover, atmospheric conditions and the amount of artificial light around the observer all influence what can be seen.

What Causes the Orionid Meteor Shower?

The Orionids occur when Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left behind by 1P/Halley, better known as Halley’s Comet.

As the tiny particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 66 kilometres per second, they heat up and produce the bright streaks commonly known as shooting stars.

Despite the name, these are not actual stars. They are small particles producing light as they travel through the atmosphere.

Halley’s Comet is also responsible for the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, which occurs in May when Earth crosses another section of the comet’s debris trail.

The Orionids are visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, making the October display an opportunity for stargazers in many parts of the world.

Orionid Meteor Shower 2026: Key Details

An October Stargazing Opportunity in Ibiza

The Orionids offer residents and visitors in Ibiza and Formentera an opportunity to experience the island’s night sky away from the usual daytime attractions.

Although moonlight may make this year’s display more challenging, the hours after moonset could provide a better chance of spotting shooting stars before dawn on Thursday, 22 October.

For the best experience, choose a safe location away from artificial lighting, check the local weather forecast and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.

There is no need for specialised equipment or a scheduled event. With clear skies and a little patience, observers may be able to catch some of the fast-moving fragments from Halley’s Comet crossing the October sky.