The beginning of the month of October also marks the beginning of the meteor shower of autumn known as the Draconids. Despite being one of the shortest, it is especially accessible for observation from the northern hemisphere. At Depor, we provide you with information about the exact date, the ideal places to witness the phenomenon, the moment of greatest intensity and valuable advice to enjoy the experience, among other details.
When is the Draconid meteor shower?
According to the National Geographic Institute, the Draconids are visible from October 6 to 10. Typically, this meteor shower is modest, producing about 20 meteors per hour, with a speed of 20 kilometers per second. However, in 1933 and 1946, impressive displays were experienced with a rate of several thousand meteors per hour. Even in October 2011, despite lunar interference, more than 600 meteors were counted per hour.
Where can you see the Draconid meteor shower?
To observe the Draconids, the ideal place is one that offers a dark sky. However, it is advisable to avoid obstacles such as buildings, trees or mountains, and it is preferable to do without optical instruments that restrict the field of vision.
Although the Draconids appear to come from the constellation Draco, their visibility spans the entire sky. It is advisable to direct your gaze towards the darkest areas, in the opposite direction to the position of the Moon if it is present during the observation.
Although the movement of meteors is not very intense in general, the Draconid shower stands out for its exceptional visibility in the northern hemisphere of the planet.
What time to see the dragonborn?
The year 2023 is favorable for observing the Draconids, since their peak of activity will coincide with the lunar waning phase, specifically from 6:09 pm to 10:47 pm. The maximum intensity of the rain is expected between October 8 and 9. During the first part of the night, the Moon will not yet have risen above the horizon, which will make it easier to observe the Draconids in optimal conditions just when its radiant reaches its highest point.
Tips for seeing the meteor shower
To fully enjoy meteor showers, binoculars and telescopes are not necessary and, in fact, could limit the experience by creating a narrower field of view. The ideal is to observe with the naked eye from a place away from light pollution to appreciate the full spectacle. Lying back and allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness is the most comfortable way to enjoy it.
The names of these phenomena, such as the Draconids, come from the constellation from which they appear to originate. In other words, if you can locate its constellation in the sky, you will improve your vision of the rain. This is known as “locating your radiant.” In the case of the Draconids, identifying their radiant is simple: just visualize the Draco constellation.