A meteor, or "shooting star'', is the visible streak of light created when cosmic debris burns up high in the Earth's atmosphere.
On any clear night you can see between two and four meteors every hour you stargaze. However, at certain times of the year you can see many more shooting stars during so-called "meteor showers''.
The enhanced activity during showers occurs because Earth is crossing the dense debris trail of a comet. In the case of the Orionids, the shooting stars we see originated from perhaps the most famous comet of all, Halley's Comet.
All you will need to enjoy the Orionids will be a comfortable deck chair and some blankets to protect you from the chilly spring temperatures.
As the chart above shows, Orion is in the northeastern sky after midnight. However, meteors with the brightest, longest trails will be visible away from the radiant point.
If you are keen to get the best views, I recommend finding a comfortable viewing spot with an easterly or westerly outlook.
Astronomers predict between 15 and 25 meteors per hour should be visible, which means, if the weather gods are kind, I'm hoping to feast my eyes on a gorgeous cosmic firework show.