Astronomy
Draconid and Orionid meteor showers peak this month
The Draconids peak Oct. 8 after dark, and the Orionids peak Oct. 21 before dawn, Scientific American reports.
October brings two chances to see shooting stars. The Draconid meteor shower peaks on the night of Oct. 8, and the Orionid meteor shower peaks on Oct. 21, Scientific American reports, citing NASA.
Both showers are debris from comets. The Draconids come from Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, a space rock about 1.24 miles wide. The Orionids come from Halley's Comet, about 9.3 miles across at its widest.
Draconid meteor shower
NASA expects the Draconids to produce only a few meteors per hour this year. But the shower has a perk: it starts soon after darkness falls, so you don't have to stay up late. "This is an ideal meteor shower for casual skywatchers," NASA says, according to Scientific American.
Orionid meteor shower
The Orionids generally offer more activity. The prime viewing window is before dawn, after the moon sets, NASA says.
How to watch
- Find a spot with limited light pollution. City lights will wash out fainter meteors.
- Let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 30 minutes.
- For the Draconids, look up soon after evening twilight ends. For the Orionids, set your alarm for the early morning hours before dawn.
If you miss both, two more showers peak in November: the Southern Taurids on Nov. 4-5 and the Northern Taurids on Nov. 11-12, Scientific American previously reported.
Related stories
Astronomy
Draconid meteor shower peaks Oct. 8, no late night needed
The Draconids are best seen in the evening just after sunset, making them a rare accessible meteor shower for all.
Astronomy
M104: The Sombrero Galaxy's Hidden Tidal Streams
A new deep image reveals evidence of a violent merger past in the Sombrero galaxy.
Astronomy
Meteor explodes over Arizona in brilliant green fireball
A meteor streaked across the sky early Oct. 6, flaring green before breaking apart, according to a webcam and astrophotographer.