The serial Draconid meteor shower peaks tonight (Oct. 8), just after dusk, and the moon will be dim enough for skywatchers to catch a good view.
The Draconid meteor shower occurs every date in early October, when the Earth passes through a gutter of dust from the periodic Comet 21P/ Giacobini-Zinner. This date's Draconid meteor shower will be active fromOct. 6 throughOct. 10, but will reach its peak soon after dusk tonight (Oct. 8), offering the sporty viewing shot for skywatchers, according toIn-The-Sky.org.
Generally, only a multitudinous Draconids are visible per hour. Notwithstanding, this time's meteor shower falls just after the new moon, meaning else meteors may be visible in tonight's sky since the thin waxing crescent moon creates lower light handicap.
While the Draconids can be seen anywhere in the night sky, they're neat viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. That is because the shower's radiant point — or the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to expire — is near the head of the constellation Draco the Dragon in the northern sky.
The number of possible visible meteors increases the forward the radiant point is above the horizon. So, you will want to look towards the part of the sky that's slightly forward than the locus of the constellation Draco the Dragon.
The radiant reaches its top point in the sky just before evenfall native time, meaning that the meteor shower will likely produce its fashionable displays soon after dusk, as long as there are clear skies, according toIn-The-Sky.org.
Otherwise, you do not need any special accoutrements or experience to view a meteor shower — you will just need to find a viewing spot out from burg lights, with little light pollution. Also, you will want to allow your eyes time to accommodate to the dark and avoid looking at bent with a bright screen to cinch you do not miss any of the meteors that may pass overhead.
Notwithstanding, if you miss the Draconids, do not worry — the Orionid meteor shower will peak onOct. 20, followed by the Southern Taurids and the Northern Taurids in November.
Editor's note If you snap an amazing pic of a Draconid meteor or any other night- sky sight and you'd like to partake it withSpace.com for a story or image gallery, dispatch images, analysis and locality informationspacephotos@space.com.
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