CHICAGO — If you are willing to trade a little sleep for a stunning view of the cosmos, this week offers a perfect opportunity. The annual Orionid meteor shower is ramping up toward its peak, bringing a brilliant display of shooting stars courtesy of one of history’s most famous comets.

Every year in October, Earth passes through a vast trail of dust and debris left behind in space by Halley’s Comet. As these tiny remnants collide with our planet’s upper atmosphere at blazing speeds – roughly 41 miles per second- they vaporize in a flash of light, creating the swift, bright streaks we know as the Orionids.

Sky-watching guides from Sky & Telescope highlight that while the shower remains active for weeks, the peak nights arrive mid-week, with the best action expected during the predawn hours of October 22.

There is, however, a minor obstacle for stargazers this year: moonlight. Because a bright waxing moon will flood the sky during the early evening hours, it threatens to wash out some of the fainter meteors.

To beat the moonlight and catch the best show, astronomers recommend setting your alarm for around 3:00 a.m. local time on Thursday morning. Once the moon dips below the horizon, the skies will darken considerably, offering a prime window of visibility before dawn begins to break.

No telescopes or fancy equipment are required to enjoy the event. Experts advise finding a dark location away from city lights, lying back comfortably, allowing your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark, and simply looking up. With a little patience and a warm jacket to fend off the autumn chill, early risers will be rewarded with a breathtaking encounter with cosmic history.