BISMARCK, ND(KXNET) -- The Orionids meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that occurs every October, when the Earth passes through the orbit of Halley's Comet. While the Orionids meteor shower is not the most prolific in terms of visible meteors per hour, its connection to Earth's most famous comet elevates it.

The peak for this year's Orionids will be late night on Monday, October 20th, into the early morning of October 21st; however, with clouds expected throughout North Dakota starting Sunday evening and lasting through Monday night, viewing conditions may not be ideal. Mostly clear skies are forecast across the state on Saturday night, likely making it the most favorable time for viewing the meteor shower in North Dakota.

The Orionids meteor shower will be in the sky to the east-southeast, near the Orion constellation for which the shower is named. During its peak, viewers can expect to see up to 20 meteors per hour.