Overview

• The Draconids are active October 6–10 and are forecast to peak on the evening of October 8, with the radiant in Draco high just after darkness falls for Northern Hemisphere viewers.
• A full Harvest supermoon on October 6–7 leaves the moon about 96% illuminated on October 8, which experts say will wash out fainter meteors and make viewing conditions unfavorable.
• Under typical conditions about 10 meteors per hour may be visible, though this shower is notoriously variable and can produce occasional bright fireballs and rare outbursts.
• The meteors are debris from comet 21P/Giacobini‑Zinner, and some astronomers note the comet’s recent perihelion could increase activity, though any boost remains uncertain.
• No equipment is needed; choose a dark, unobstructed site, let your eyes adjust, try to block the moon’s glare, and consider the Orionids on October 21–22 for darker, moon-free skies.