The Draconids Meteor Shower could prove to be the greatest meteor shower in the past few years or be challenged by a nearly full moon. I always like to err on the side of caution about meteor showers and keep my expectations low. I have to admit, the allure of telling everyone that the Draconids Meteor Shower could be an amazing meteor storm is quite tempting. A meteor storm is a very strong meteor shower. An average major meteor shower will produce anywhere from 40 to 80 visible meteors per hour. The Draconids Meteor Shower has the chance to produce 60 to 600 meteors per hour!
So now that you have the information, I’m sure you’re wondering when and where do I look? If you live in the Americas unfortunately you’re not going to see many meteors because the proposed peak will be during the daytime for you. But this doesn’t mean you should just give up. I suggest three viewing sessions for USA residents and they are: October 8th between 12:01am and dawn, the darkest point of early evening say around 6:00pm onward to midnight and then final October 9th from 12:01am until dawn.
Draconids Meteor Shower Radiant
Now if you live in Europe, the best proposed activity will be on October 8th between 17:00 GMT and 20:00 GMT. You can also follow the above times that I suggested for the Americas. This meteor shower has the chance to be truly amazing. I have to warn you, the moon will be very bright and usually this means it will be hard to see these meteors especially because they are relatively faint and small.
If you would like to learn a little more about the Draconids, please take a look at the blog I did in 2009 (Draconids Information). It contains more information about meteor storm activity and the source and cause of the Draconids Meteor Shower. If you’re planning on going outside and having a look, keep warm, have fun and keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
