Double meteor shower to light up Canary skies this Tuesday
There are nights that feel written by the universe — clear skies, crisp air, silence, and then a sudden streak of light across the darkness. Tonight, Tuesday 21st October, the Canary Islands will experience one of those magical moments, as two meteor showers coincide, creating one of the most spectacular celestial displays of the year.
Stargazers across the Canaries will witness the overlapping of the Orionids and the Southern Taurids, offering a rare double show in the night sky.
The Orionids, produced by debris from Halley’s Comet, will peak around midnight, delivering up to 20 meteors per hour. Known for their bright, fast trails, these meteors often leave visible streaks that linger for seconds.
A few hours earlier, from around 9:30pm, the Southern Taurids, originating from Comet 2P/Encke, will become visible. Though less frequent, averaging about five meteors per hour, they’re often far more dramatic, producing fireballs, or large, slow-moving meteors that light up the sky.
The best viewing window will be tonight into the early hours of tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd October, but good visibility is expected all week. With no bright moonlight until 24th October, the conditions will be near perfect for stargazing.
Best Places to Watch in the Canary Islands
The Canaries are world-renowned for their pristine night skies, with several Starlight-certified locations across the islands.
- Tenerife: The area around Teide National Park offers unrivalled views, with high-altitude lookouts free from light pollution.
- La Palma: Head to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory or the Garafía region for professional-level observation points.
- Gran Canaria: Pico de las Nieves and Tamadaba are top choices for enjoying the cosmic display under dark, clear skies.
Tips for the Perfect Stargazing Experience
Experts recommend finding a dark, quiet location away from city lights, dressing warmly, and bringing a reclining chair or blanket to watch comfortably for at least 30 minutes.
No telescope is needed, in fact, the naked eye is best for meteor watching. For photography, use a tripod and a wide-angle lens, setting long exposures to capture the meteor trails.
A Gift from Halley’s Comet
Each year, when Earth passes through the dust trail left by Halley’s Comet, tiny particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the Orionid meteor shower, one of the oldest and most famous in recorded history.
This year’s overlap with the Southern Taurids makes October a particularly special time to look up and marvel at the night sky, a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there are fleeting moments of light and beauty to be found.
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