The Draconid meteor shower is set to dazzle stargazers this week lighting up the skies from till Thursday. Also known as Giacobinids, it is anticipated to peak between Tuesday and Wednesday. This celestial spectacle, which takes a lap around the Sun every six and a half years, gets its name from the comet's discoverer, Michel Giacobini.
It is roughly two kilometres wide and hurtles at speeds of around 3600 mph, but only passes close enough to Earth (3,300,000 miles) to leave a trail of debris visible in the night sky. Wow..
what a show Draconid meteor shower and northern lights! #NorthernLights #YEG #Draconid pic.twitter.com/pY3D00VvM8 — Stephen Connick (@sconnick) October 8, 2024 Dr Minjae Kim, a research fellow from the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick, told the PA news agency: “During ideal conditions, observers may witness up to 10 meteors per hour.
“The shower’s radiant point is highest in the evening sky, making it a rare meteor shower best viewed after sunset rather than in the early morning hours. “The waxing crescent to first quarter moon phase will provide relatively dark skies, enhancing visibility. Recommended reading: I went to Rhodes looking for love but ended up with a goose Waitrose Christmas delivery slots open including Xmas Eve NHS doctor issues urgent 'hot vomit' mould warning to Brits “So, seek out any areas with minimal light pollution, such as rural settings or parks away from city lights.
Also, find a spot with an unobstru.