A long time ago, when people stared in the sky. Sometimes they'd spy bright specs of light. Some thought they were angels or the gods dashing through the sky. In time, early astronomers developed spyglasses and telescopes with improved optics. Now, we recognize them as
Now, we recognize them as Draconid, Orionid Meteor Showers without the mysticism and occult associations. They are just meteors burning up in the atmosphere that is one of the heavens most spectacular light shows.
without the mysticism and occult associations. They are just meteors burning up in the atmosphere that is one of the heavens' most spectacular light shows.
The Draconids take their name from Draco the Dragon constellation. They are created when Earth passes debris from the comet 21P or Giacobini–Zinner. The comet revolves the sun in 6.6 years before we catch sight of it again.
Orionids are very obvious since they are derived from the constellation Orion the Hunter. These annual meteor showers are seen at the brightest point in the constellation, wherein they seem to come from. To look for these meteors, they can be spotted at 30-degrees from that point in Orion. Expect a spectacular light show because they will radiate in 360-degrees from any position.
To see this stellar phenomenon, there are specific times that will be the best time to view them. Unfortunately, nature doesn't give encore performances, and meteor showers appear like clockwork in the heavens. So, better write down the schedule as not to miss any of it.
Avid skywatchers can see the Orionid meteor shower because it's active. But, view it on October 22–23 when it peaks which is the best time to see it in full glory. Mark these dates to observe another Orionid meteor shower that is happening till November 7. It's best to see it, with a bright moon though.
In 2019, there will be more Draconid showers that will be amazing to view, from 40 to 50 meteors in an hour! This happens every 6.6 years when Comet Giacobini–Zinner nears our neighbourhood in the solar system.
If Draconids are what you are looking for, they run Sunday through Thursday. Though the meteor shower peaks Tuesday, meteors may also be visible on Monday and Wednesday night, according to Earthsky.org. Veteran skywatchers will know that Orionids aren't as many, with 10 shooting stars seen only. But, seek them at night and before dawn—that will catch you a glimpse of them! Or just wait at nightfall and early evening to watch out for them! A bright moon can reduce visibility when watching out for them. Just watch out for that.
Sighting a Draconid meteor shower with many meteors is rare, but in 1933 there were about 500 of them in one minute! Another similar meteor shower revealed thousands in 1946, which is a rare occurrence to witness. In 2018, the Draconids made another spectacular appearance when Comet Giacobini–Zinner came closest to our orbit in 72 years.
Just like the universe that operates with surprising regularity, these Draconid, Orionid Meteor Showers are just the same. If timed just right, a once-in-a-lifetime event can be experienced.