This weekend Earth will enter the debris field left by the famous Halley's Comet. The resulting meteor shower is called the Orionids, and often produces a great show similar to the Perseids (on a smaller scale). Expect the show to begin this week with the maximum falling on the evening of the 21st into dawn of the 22nd.
As you may already know, meteor showers are named from their apparent point of origin in the sky, and these are no different - radiating away from the Orion constellation. The ideal time to view this (and all) showers is around 5 am, but I'll begin my watch after 11 PM on Friday and stay up as long as I can. The moon will interfere somewhat so do your best to get away from all local light pollution. Enjoy!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Draconid Meteor Shower Tonight
The predictions for todays Draconid Meteor shower are that of an intense meteor storm. Cool! Earlier this year Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegert predicted that this shower could produce up to 1,000 meteors per hour!
However, this shower favors Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The Draconids peak during daytime in North America. Still, I think it's worth taking a look tonight anyway. The Moon will be bright, but there may still be plenty of meteors to see.
Draco is a circumpolar constellation, so can be found in the northern sky around Ursa Minor. Dress warm and happy hunting!
However, this shower favors Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The Draconids peak during daytime in North America. Still, I think it's worth taking a look tonight anyway. The Moon will be bright, but there may still be plenty of meteors to see.
Draco is a circumpolar constellation, so can be found in the northern sky around Ursa Minor. Dress warm and happy hunting!
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