Orionids - best viewing?

[narky (Sam)]

The Orionids are coming.

I don't imagine the time zone matters but I'm reading different reports on the best time to view them. Seems Saturday/Sunday is best, but those reports were for US - so Friday/Saturday nights here then?

Does anyone know when would be the best time to see them (in Perth in case that matters).

I've read 2 suggestions, midnight when the earth is heading into the meteors, or just before dawn for darkest skies.

What do you recommend? Will it make much of a difference?

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

The Orionid meteor shower is expected to be a great show in 2012.
You'll be able to see the Orionids from October 16th to October 27th.
Saw some already 2nite .
October 21, 2012, is the meteor shower's peak and is expected to produce around 25 meteors per hour;
however, up to 70 meteors per hour could result as seen in the past.

Off-peak amounts should be around 15 per hour.

On Saturday, October 20th, the waxing crescent Moon will set before midnight.
A dark sky will be present for viewing of the Orionids between midnight and dawn on Sunday, October 21st.
The hours between midnight and dawn on October 21st are expected to be the peak of the meteor showers in 2012.

[narky (Sam)]

So its pretty random then, no best time, just best nights?
Thanks for the quick response, I'm heading out now to see if I can catch any.

I guess I just go by the weather reports then.

Fingers crossed for clear skies.