This autumn, rich in astronomical events, brings a shower of stars this week. These are the draconids, which will reach their maximum activity this Tuesday, October 8 at night, although they will be visible until the 10th. The meteor shower is the first of autumn and is visible from the northern hemisphere.
According to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), Draconids are generally a “modest” meteor shower, which generates around 20 meteors per hour, with a speed of 20 km/s. » However, in the past there have been years in which thousands of meteors were recorded per hour. Indeed, in October 2011, despite the fact that the Moon made observation difficult, more than 600 meteors were recorded per hour, explains IGN.
When and how to see the meteor shower
The peak of this month of October will be on the 8th around 3 p.m., two days before the moon enters its crescent phase, and it will be easier to observe the meteor shower after the moon sets .
The phenomenon of meteor showers occurs when Earth passes through a trail of debris left by a comet or asteroids. When small particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, they burn up and produce bright streaks of light in the sky called meteors.
Where to see the Dragonborn
And what’s the best way to see the Dragonborn? Although the Draconids appear to come from the constellation Draco, they can be seen anywhere in the sky. IGN recommends finding an observation point with dark skies. In this way, it is advisable to observe the meteor shower from high places or without obstacles to the view and not to use optical instruments that limit the field of vision. It is advisable to direct your gaze towards the darkest areas, in the direction opposite to the position of the Moon if the observation is carried out when it is present. The most comfortable thing is to lie down and wait for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
