The Orionid meteor shower builds toward its peak, and a late watch after moonset gives you your best chance to catch a streak tonight. (Royal Observatory; Orionids guide)

• Evening Moon: After the 6:16 PM sunset, look toward the south. At our mid-Atlantic reference near Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Moon is highest at 8:05 PM Eastern, more than half lit and easy to spot from any backyard (sunset timetable; Moon timetable).
• Orionids after moonset: The Moon sets at 1:09 AM Eastern on Tuesday, October 20. After that, find a dark spot, let your eyes adjust, and scan broadly overhead rather than only toward Orion. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, and seeing one still takes patience (Moon timetable; Orionids guide).

The Royal Observatory lists the Orionid maximum for October 21, just two days away. Tonight is a warm-up, not the peak, so keep expectations modest and enjoy any streak as a bonus (Royal Observatory).

Moon note: Waxing gibbous (more than half lit and growing), one day past first quarter; moonrise is 3:08 PM Eastern today at our reference location (phase calendar; Moon timetable).

Bundle up, step outside, and join the free NOOMMED newsletter so you are ready for the Orionid peak.