As the night sky darkens on Monday evening, the Draconid meteor shower promises a celestial spectacle you won't want to miss.
Yes, grab a flask of coffee, a blanket, and maybe some binoculars, because the best show this evening isn't on Netflix - but could be visible in your own backyard.
Unlike many meteor showers that demand late-night viewing, the Draconids are best observed just after nightfall, thanks to their early evening peak and a moon that’s only 27% illuminated, enhancing visibility of even the faintest meteors, per EarthSky.
Although known for its modest display - peaking at about 10 meteors per hour - the Draconid meteor shower, derived from the debris of comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, offers a unique stargazing experience each October.
The shower owes its name to the constellation Draco the Dragon, which points to the origin of the meteors in the sky. Alternatively, they're known as Giacobinids, celebrating the comet's discoverer, Michel Giacobini, who first spotted it in 1900.
These meteors are slower than those from other showers, making them visible for a longer duration, around one or two seconds (plenty of time to make a wish).
Historical meteor storms in 1933 and 1946, and a significant event in 2011, have shown that the Draconids can sometimes produce a stunning number of meteors, with counts in the hundreds per hour.
In fact, CNN reports that 2011's spectacle saw European stargazers reporting more than 600 meteors an hour!
Best Viewing Strategies
To catch the Draconid show, no special equipment is necessary - but you will want to limit light pollution.
Simply find a spot away from city lights, recline on a lawn chair, or lay back to gaze up at the vast sky. For those in urban areas, a short drive to darker skies could dramatically increase the visibility of the meteors. In fact, experts from NASA state that driving out to the country will increase visibility by up to three times.
Just make sure you check the weather forecast and wrap up warm if you do plan on being outside for long on this October evening.
And you won't need any fancy equipment, as many meteors will be visible to the naked eye - but you may want to pack some binoculars for a closer look.
Capture the Moment
For photography enthusiasts, this meteor shower is an excellent opportunity for time-lapse videos and long-exposure photography. Capturing the slow-moving meteors against the backdrop of the night sky can yield breathtaking results.
And don't worry if you miss the peak of the meteor shower this evening, as you may be lucky enough to see the Draconids up until October 10.
So make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to witness the annual Draconid meteor shower peak this evening. Just look up!
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