19 April 2025

Draconids

The Draconids are a meteor shower associated with the comet Giacobini-Zinner. They occur annually in early October, typically peaking around October 8th. The name “Draconids” comes from the constellation Draco, as the meteors appear to radiate from this area in the sky. The shower is characterized by its potential for variable activity; it can produce only a handful of meteors per hour in some years, while in others, it can erupt into a significant display with many meteors visible. The Draconids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the evening hours when the radiant is high in the sky. Unlike many meteor showers, which are more active during the pre-dawn hours, the Draconids often perform well earlier in the evening. The meteors are typically slower-moving than those of other well-known showers, offering longer trails across the night sky.