October 7 – October 8
On the nights of October 7-8, prepare for the peak of the Draconids Meteor Shower, a unique celestial event where skywatchers can expect to see around 10 meteors per hour.
🌠Draconids Meteor Shower Peak
This meteor shower is produced by dust grains left behind by Comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first discovered in 1900.
The Draconids are unusual because they are best viewed in the early evening rather than the early morning, as is typical for most meteor showers.
The shower runs annually from October 6 to 10, with this year’s peak occurring on the night of October 7.
The waxing crescent moon will set before 9 PM local time, meaning dark skies perfect for meteor viewing.
đź” Best Time to Watch:
The best viewing will be from the evening of October 7 through the early morning hours of October 8.
The predicted peak is expected on October 8, 2024, at 3 AM UTC.
However, anytime between Oct 6 – Oct 10 you might luck out and catch some meteor activity on clear evenings.
Where to Look:
Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco, but they can appear anywhere in the sky, so it’s best to keep an eye on the entire sky.
To maximize viewing opportunities, find a dark location away from city lights.
In Campbell River, many places along the shore are far enough from lights for good viewing. Out near Elk Falls is another good spot. Outside of town Miracle Beach, Stories beach, the top of Forbidden Plateau Road, or Goose Spit are excellent locations to watch.
During ideal conditions, you may catch up to 10 Draconid meteors per hour.
✨ Draconids Notable Characteristics:
The Draconids shower is regarded as a meteor shower oddity since its radiant point is highest in the sky at dusk, leading to a higher chance of seeing meteors in the evenings.
While this shower typically produces a modest number of meteors, in rare instances, the “Dragon” can awaken, leading to spectacular shows with hundreds of meteors per hour, captivating skywatchers who keep their eyes on the skies.
Don’t miss out on this celestial event—grab a blanket, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the beauty of the Draconids Meteor Shower!
