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The annual draconid meteor shower peaks tonight (October 8), just after dusk, and the moon will be dark enough for sky watchers to get a good view.
The Draconid meteor shower occurs every year at the beginning of October, when the Earth goes through a dust flow of the periodic period Comet 21P / Giacobini-Zinner. This year’s Draconid meteor shower will be active from October 6-10, but will peak shortly after dusk this evening (October 8), providing the best viewing opportunity for sky watchers, according to In-The-Sky.org.
Usually only a few draconids are visible per hour. However, this year’s meteor shower falls right after the new moon, which means more meteors may be visible in the sky tonight as the thin crescent moon creates less light interference.
Related: Draconid meteor shower 2021: when, where and how to look at the unpredictable screen of “shooting stars”
While the Draconids can be seen anywhere in the night sky, they are best seen from Northern hemisphere. This is because the radiating point of the shower – or the point in the sky from which the meteors seem to emanate – is near the head of the constellation Draco the Dragon in the northern sky.
The number of possible visible meteors increases the more the radiant point is above the horizon. Therefore, you will want to look towards the part of the sky that is slightly higher than the location of the constellation. Draco the Dragon.
The radiant peaks in the sky just before dark, meaning the meteor shower will likely produce its best displays soon after dusk, as long as the sky is clear, according to In-The-Sky.org .
Otherwise, you don’t need any special equipment or skills to see a meteor shower – you will just need to find an observation point away from the city lights, with little light pollution. Additionally, you’ll want to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness and avoid looking at devices with a bright screen to make sure you don’t miss any meteors that might pass overhead.
However, if you miss the Draconids, don’t worry – the Orionid meteor shower peak on October 20, followed by south Taurids and the Northern Taurids in November.
Editor’s Note: If you take an amazing photo of a Draconid meteor or any other night sky spectacle and want to share it with Space.com for a story or picture gallery, send pictures, comments and location info [email protected].
Follow Samantha Mathewson @ Sam_Ashley13. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
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