October is when the annual Orionid meteor showers take place as Earth passes through the streams of debris left by Halley’s comet, which last passed by in 1986.

The meteors or “shooting stars” can usually be seen in the early hours before dawn. The peak period for 2019 was supposed to happen on Oct. 20-22.

On one of those nights, I set my alarm and went outside in the cold still hours of early morning to see if I could witness any of this spectacular light show in the glorious night skies.

I set my chair behind the barn to block out the yard light and the sliver of moon that might make the meteors invisible to the naked eye. I found the constellation of Orion in the lower southeastern sky which was the radiant (originating point) for this meteor shower.

Thor, our German shepherd, sat on guard by my chair while I wrapped up tighter in my blanket against the bite of the 32-degree air. I was rewarded by my patience just when I had reached the end of it and was standing up to go back inside.

I witnessed a streak of light flash by so quickly I almost didn’t catch it. I sat back down to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. Within the next half-hour I saw three more definite shooting stars and a few flares in my peripheral vision.

With dawn breaking on the horizon I made my way back to bed.

I think I love being in the country the most when I am outside at night. Nothing can compare to the majesty of the skies, especially on a dark clear night when the brilliance of the stars unfolds in a deep endless tapestry of beauty.

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place. … Oh Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.”

– Psalm 8:3 and 8:1