"Striking meteors" will shed light on the sky this weekend - how to see them
The story has shown that the Draconid shower could make a shower than expected.
Summer can be finished, but there is still something special in outdoor activities in autumn, especially the stars. In fact, this season has many significant events in store, including an annular solar eclipse which will create a Fire ring in the sky . And even if we may be between the two greatest opportunities for "shooting stars", this weekend will see "striking meteores" light the sky while the Draconids have struck their peak. Read the rest for advice on how to see them and when the best time is to go out.
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The Draconid Meteor shower will be fully exposed this weekend.
While most relaxed stars have Perseid and Leonids showers marked on their calendars, they are far from the only occasions to catch Some stars that fall . This includes the draconid shower, which will create "striking meteors" in the sky this weekend, according to NASA. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
Like the other meteor showers, the Draconids are created by the earth passing through the dust path left by the comet 21p / Giacobini-Zinner which orbits in front of our planet Every 6.6 years . He takes his name from the astronomer Michel Giacobini - who first spotted it since the beautiful observatory in France in 1900 - and Ernst Zinner, Who "rediscovered" the comet 13 years later, by NASA.
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This shower is known to produce "meteor storms" with thousands of shooting stars.
Even if you are a somewhat regular Stargazer, there is a good chance that you did not know the Draconids. The meteor shower is relatively slow compared to most others, generally producing an average of around 10 meteors visible per hour under Virgin visibility conditions , according to the Earthsky astronomy site.
However, this is not always the case. During the years when the earth oscillates Right inside the comet chemin Once he recently succeeded, the resulting "Storms" can create a show in the sky, reports Space.com. The most notable occurred in 1933 and 1946 when thousands of meteors were observed from Europe during the peak of the Draconids, while more than 600 was counted more recently in 2011.
Since the comet has gone closest to the earth in 2018, astronomers have not been the biggest spectacle. However, they argue that an increased activity is still possible, by Earthsky.
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You will not have to stand very late to catch the Draconids at their peak.
This year's shower is expected to peak in the evening of October 8. But although they do not show themselves in force each year, the Draconids stand out in a practical way. Their "radiant" constellation Draco - which gives them their name - is high in the sky just after sunset, which means that they will be the most active long before midnight, according to Earthsky.
And although local weather conditions can always change, the overall forecast is particularly good for viewers this year. The moon will be in a decreasing crescent phase and only 19% illuminated, reducing the brightness which can otherwise stifle visibility.
If your local time does not cooperate, you will always have the opportunity to see Draconids. Astronomers say that visible meteors will probably start on October 6 and continue until October 10, reports Space.com.
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Here's how to optimize the meteor observation experience.
Since you probably don't have to adjust the alarms or stand again late to catch them, prepare you to look at the Draconids could be less complicated than some other more notable showers. As with any experiences of a sustained star, it is better to find a place as dark as possible, far from cities and reverbs that can drown the sky, depending on Space.com.
Twins or telescope will not be necessary to appease meteors. However, the increasingly cold nighttime time means that you want to pack comfortable clothes, a blanket or a hot drink to help stay warm. In addition to that, the only equipment you need is a comfortable chair or cover that allows you to place yourself on your back and look at the sky, explains Space.com.
Once you have found the perfect place, be sure to give yourself up to 30 minutes so that your eyes adapt to darkness. Remember to pick up a flashlight with a red adjustment if you want to be able to find your way without ruining your night vision.
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