Draconid Meteor Shower: See It With A Naked Eye In The UK On 9 October

The Draconid meteor shower is a dazzling celestial event that lights up the sky every October. The Draconids usually produce fewer meteors than other showers, only 5 per hour. However, sometimes, bright bursts can cheer up lucky stargazers in some areas. This year, there’s a chance to see the Draconids in the UK with the naked eye. Where&how? Read below in the article.

What Is The Draconid Meteor Shower?

The Draconid meteor shower, also known as the Giacobinids, is one of two that brighten the skies every October. The Draconids get their name from the constellation Draco the Dragon. They occur when Earth crosses through the dust trail left by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, which orbits the Sun once every 6.6 years. The shower’s alternate name, Giacobinids, comes from Michel Giacobini, who discovered this comet.

When To See Draconids In 2024?

In 2024, the Draconid meteor shower will occur from 6 to 10 October, peaking on the night of 8 October. Unlike most meteor showers, which are best viewed in the early morning hours, the Draconids are easiest to spot in the evening, just after nightfall. This is because their radiant point is highest in the sky right after sunset.

According to EarthSky, the perfect time to view the Draconids is from the evening of 7 October until the early hours of 8 October. With the waxing crescent moon (27% illuminated) setting before 9 p.m. local time, you can watch for meteors under a dark, moonless sky.

Where To See The Draconid Meteor Shower?

The Draconids are most easily seen from the Northern Hemisphere. While it is also possible to view the meteor shower from the northern regions of the Southern Hemisphere, the display will be less impressive there.

Will The Draconids Be Visible In The UK?

Yes, in the UK, the shower is expected to peak on 9 October, and stargazers in London are likely to see several meteors per hour. From London, the radiant point is circumpolar, meaning it remains above the horizon, allowing the shower to be active throughout the night.

See The Meteors With The Naked Eye!

To watch the Draconid meteor shower, you don’t need any special gear or skills! All you need is a clear sky and some patience. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the experience:

• Once you arrive at your viewing spot, give your eyes about 30 to 45 minutes to adjust to the dark.
• Lie back or sit and take in a large part of the night sky.
• Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and get comfortable, as you may need to wait a while.

By the way, while it’s rare to see more than five meteors per hour during the Draconid meteor shower, stargazers were treated to thousands of meteors in just one hour in 1933 and 1946. This year, Earth will pass through two dust trails left by the Draconids’ parent comet from 1852 and 1859. Although astronomers can’t precisely predict how this will impact the shower, we can hope for a burst of activity!