Meteor Showers Archives | Under the Night Sky

Draconid Meteor Shower 2015

October 9th will mark the peak of this years Draconid Meteor Shower, named for the constellation Draco, where the meteors appear to originate from. This shower is also known as the Giacobinids, for comet 21 P/ Giacobini-Zinner, the comet that left the dust debris responsible for this meteor shower. In the past the Draconids have been responsible for some of the most spectacular showers, but in general they tend to be one of the less impressive ones. This year a new Moon will be on October 13th, making viewing more favorable.

Fireball Meteor Shooting from the Constellation Perseus

Perseid Meteor Shower and a Supermoon

By Under the Night Sky

One of the best meteor showers of the year takes place this month. It’s the Perseids, named for the constellation Perseus, where the shooting stars appear to radiate from. This year the shower is at it’s maximum during the night and morning hours of August 12-13th. During a normal year 60 to 100 shooting stars per hour can be seen at its peak. This year, though, it could be different. The moon will be near full during the meteor shower. On top of that, it will be a supermoon, which will be 14% bigger and 30% brighter than an average

Perseid Meteor Shower and a Supermoon Read More »