Cloud cover expected to block Orionid meteor shower

The annual Orionid meteor shower that is to dazzle star gazers over the following few nights, will likely disappoint armchair astronomers in the Netherlands where clouds are expected to block views from the ground. The small, speeding particles are those left behind by Halley’s Comet, and it is around this time each year that Earth passes through them. These pieces of stone burst into flame upon entering the atmosphere, transforming the sky into a spectacular show of streaking light. Dutch weather service KNMI has forecast cloud cover and rain from the west on Wednesday afternoon which will block the viewing of most of the shooting stars. The meteor shower reaches its peak on Thursday afternoon around 15:00, with some hope of late afternoon clouds dissipating. Although most of the action will be taking place above the cloud cover, shooting stars are expected to be visible until October 26. Meteorologist are predicting cloud cover and rain until then, though breaks in the clouds are possible especially on Friday and Monday night.