# Nightly News: 2026-10-20

That night's Nightly News edition.

## [The Orionid meteor shower is coming. Here's how and when to watch](https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-20/the-orionid-meteor-shower-is-coming-here-s-how-and-when-to-watch)

Source: [Phys.org (Space News section)](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-orionid-meteor-shower.html)

The Orionid meteor shower is approaching its peak, bringing with it a spectacular display of shooting stars from the remnants of Halley's Comet. Sky-watchers should care because this shower is one of the most significant of the year, offering a chance to see numerous meteors in a short period. To maximize viewing opportunities, observers should plan to watch after the moon sets late at night, when the sky will be darker and meteors more visible.

## [New brain for Galileo](https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-20/new-brain-for-galileo)

Source: [ESA (European Space Agency)](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Galileo/New_brain_for_Galileo)

The European Space Agency is launching 12 new Galileo Second Generation satellites that will enhance positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities. This upgrade is exciting for sky-watchers because it will provide more accurate location tracking and timing, which can be useful for planning stargazing trips and tracking celestial events. The new satellites will feature a range of innovative technologies, including a new signal generation module that acts as the spacecraft's brain. Sky-watchers can look forward to improved GPS services in the coming years as these new satellites join the existing fleet.

## [NASA’s SR-1 Freedom Advances with Progress on Nuclear Power Module](https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-20/nasa-s-sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module)

Source: [NASA (all news)](https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/sr-1-freedom-advances-with-progress-on-nuclear-power-module/)

NASA's Space Reactor-1 Freedom is advancing with progress on its nuclear power module, a crucial step towards demonstrating fission power beyond Earth's orbit. This development is exciting for sky-watchers because it represents a significant milestone in space exploration and could potentially enable more efficient and longer-duration missions to other planets. The success of this mission could also pave the way for future deep space missions that rely on nuclear electric propulsion. Sky-watchers can look forward to the SR-1 Freedom's journey to Mars, where it will deliver a science payload called SkyFall.

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Canonical: https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-20
Updated: 2026-10-20T23:01:34.858Z