Skywatchers are set for a Draconid meteor shower


Draconid meteor shower over Russia in 2018Image copyright pyrite
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Draconid meteor shower over Russia in 2018

October will be a bumper month to see shooting stars in the night sky.

The Draconid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on Wednesday evening.

It is estimated that about five shooting stars should appear on the overhead every hour; The event will appear in the UK sky.

Meteor showers are commonly associated with comets; Just as these balls of ice and dust have the orbit of the sun, they release dust and ice clouds.

When the earth passes through small debris rivers, meteor showers or shooting stars can be seen as streams of light are generated.

If you miss the Draconids, there is a chance to see another meteor shower later in the month.

What are Draconids?

The shooting stars are named after the dragon star Draco.

They are formed as the Earth passes through debris from the Giacobini-Zinner comet.

How to watch Draconid meteor shower

Draconids are expected to be the most spectacular on October 6/7 and 7/8 October.

While most other meteor showers are best seen in the early hours, draconids are best seen at night, after nightfall.

Find a location with a good, clear view of the stars, ideally in an area with low light pollution.

What else to eat in the store for stargazers?

The Orionid Meteor Shower is slowly building on the summit, which takes place on the night of October 20/21 October this year.

Orionids are named because they come from the direction of the constellation Orion. They are associated with the famous Haley comet.

In addition, there is the Taurus meteor shower, which is produced near the constellation Taurus. It will be from 9-10 October October and 10-11 November 2020.