Visual observers will probably enjoy the Orionids in 2004 the most, as the Moon sets at its maximum and the radiant is relatively high above the horizon around midnight. Over the past two decades, the ZHR (maximum hourly activity) has fluctuated between 14 and 31. In addition, the 12-year periodicity of the swarm has been at least partially confirmed, from which it is possible to assume increased activity between 2008 and 2010. This year, the predicted ZHR is 23.
The activity started already on October 2 and ends on November 7, the maximum will be on October 21. The most suitable connection times for these directions are: SW - NE 23 - 03 UTC, V - W 02 - 05 UTC, SE - NW 04 -07 UTC and N - S 22 - 01 and 05 - 08.