Draconid meteor shower expected to peak in October 2026

The Draconid meteor shower is expected to occur from October 6 to October 10, 2026. This celestial event is caused by Earth passing through the dust trail left by the comet 21P/Giacobini–Zinner.

Observers can expect the peak activity to occur around October 9. In Azerbaijan, the peak is anticipated near 23:00 local time, while in Central European Summer Time, the maximum is expected around 03:00 on the morning of October 9. Although the Draconids are often considered a relatively weak meteor shower, with an average of about five meteors per hour, the 2026 viewing conditions are considered optimal due to the absence of moonlight during the New Moon phase.

The meteors originate from the constellation Draco and enter Earth's atmosphere at a relatively slow speed of approximately 20 km/s. Experts suggest that for the best viewing experience, observers should seek dark locations away from city lights and use the naked eye rather than telescopes or binoculars.