The annual Draconid meteor shower peaks this weekend, and viewing conditions are favorable this year.
The Draconid meteor shower will be active from October 6 to October 10, with the peak occurring on Sunday (October 8) or Monday (October 9). This year, the moon will be less than 20% illuminated, providing a somewhat dark sky for skywatchers hoping to see a few of these meteors streaking across the sky.
To see this shower, first locate the constellation Draco, where the Draconids appear to have originated (hence their name). From North America, look high to the northwest after sunset. If you can locate Ursa Major, the Big Dipper, Draco will be about 30 degrees above it, or three the width of your fist at arm’s length. Otherwise, a stargazing app can help you locate it. Find a place away from as much light as possible, set up a comfortable chair and allow your eyes time to adjust. With a little luck, you may be able to catch a few of these “falling stars.”
Related: Meteor shower 2023: When is the next?
Dragons are formed by pieces of rock and ice moving away from Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. As it makes its way through our solar system, the comet leaves behind this debris. When our planet passes through comet fragments, parts of them burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, creating streaks of light that we call meteor showers.
This relatively small comet is about 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) across and orbits the sun every 6.6 years. The comet got its name from its discoverers. It was first observed on December 20, 1900, by French astronomer Michel Giacobini at the Nice Observatory in France, and later observed by Ernst Zenner on October 23, 1913, according to NASA Science.
The dragons produced by the comet’s remnants had put on a show in the past, but had been relatively quiet in recent years. The most productive years occurred in 1933 and 1946, although 2011 was a good year for the Draconid meteor shower as well.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars of the Draco constellation or something else in the night sky while observing meteors, our guides to the best telescopes and binoculars are a great place to start.
And if you’re looking to capture photos of meteor showers or the night sky in general, check out our guide on how to photograph meteor showers, as well as our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
Editor’s note: If you captured a stunning photo of a dragon meteor or other night sky view and want to share it with Space.com for a story or photo gallery, submit photos, comments and location information [email protected].
