Draconid meteor shower peaks Thursday night

The Draconid meteor shower is expected to peak on Thursday night, offering viewing opportunities primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike many other meteor showers that are best seen in the early morning, the Draconids are most visible shortly after nightfall due to the position of their radiant point in the constellation Draco.

The shower is caused by Earth passing through the debris trail of comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. Observers can expect approximately 10 meteors per hour, with the meteors moving more slowly than those in other showers, remaining visible for one to two seconds.

Viewing conditions are expected to be favorable as a waning crescent moon will not be bright enough to obscure the display. While the American Meteor Society classifies the Draconids as a variable shower that typically produces a modest number of meteors, stronger displays have occurred in the past. No telescopes or binoculars are required for observation.