Throughout the year, from January to December, fantastic meteor showers occur. They are astronomical events that are worth living at least once during existence. Among all the types that exist, one of the most striking meteor showers are the extraordinary draconids.
In essence, they are one of the most striking meteor showers that fall throughout the year. She appears at the beginning of October, extending for more than 1 week in the night sky. Likewise, they are characterized by an extraordinary brightness, as well as a more attractive shape and displacement compared to other meteor showers.
You may also be interested in our article: Why is a meteor shower created?
The Draconids and their fascinating show in the night sky
Meteor showers are fascinating astronomical phenomena that occur throughout the seasons of the year. Starting in the month of January, each season is characterized by a type of rain. When autumn arrives, it is the draconids who are in charge of decorating the night sky. They are evident in certain parts or regions of the world, as long as there is not too much light pollution.
Although they are not as recognized as the Preceded, another type of meteor shower, they are also striking and interesting. They have the quality of leaving a wide and bright trail through their fleeting step.
The Draconids owe their origin to their radiant, that is, the apparent site from which their precipitation originates. This coincides directly with the constellation of Draco or the Dragon, so they are named based on it.
Source: Google
Also, it should be clarified that, in reality, literally they are not stars that are observed in the sky. Instead, they are the fragments, debris, or dust from a larger comet as it passed around Earth.
This residual debris from the comet, when in contact with the atmosphere, burns quickly, generating that already known effect. The only difference with shooting stars is that it is a mass event. That is, such particularity can be appreciated throughout the duration of this event.
Where does this meteor shower come from? The comet associated with the Draconids holds the answer!
The Draconids, despite not being as well known as other types of meteor showers, They are one of the most abundant. In fact, almost a century ago, in 1933, a meteor shower of up to 345/min was recorded. Without a doubt, when it comes to quantity and showiness, they are part of an outstanding group.
Appreciating this type of meteor shower goes hand in hand with the comet related to the Draconids. Every year, the fragments of this fleeting celestial body come into contact with the earth's atmosphere, promoting this event.
Specifically, occurs between the first days of October, with a minimum from the 6th and a maximum until the 10th of the same month. For this reason, they are also attributed the quality of being one of the longest meteor showers.
Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner
The comet related to the Draconids owes its name to its discoverers, Michael Giacobini y Ernst Ziner. Both were the first to observe the orbit of this comet and its direct relationship with Earth.
The peculiarity associated with this comet is that, from time to time, its orbit is more appreciable from Earth. Generally, in early fall, it is possible to witness the appearance of this comet.
But what is really striking about it is that its wake leaves behind a path of fragments, ice and dust. Due to its proximity to Earth, this debris comes into contact with the atmosphere, producing a mass rain effect.
In short, the atmosphere completely burns every little debris that enters, giving the typical meteor shower look. For this reason, they are also called meteor showers, because, for sure, that is it.
Within the same order of ideas, the best way to locate the origin of this meteor shower is through its radiant. Likewise, it should be taken into consideration that they are more likely to be sighted in the northern hemisphere and the equatorial zone.
the radiant, is nothing more than the apparent location or trajectory, Where does this meteor shower originate from? On this occasion, the radiant of the Draconids coincides with the constellation of the Dragon, owing its name to it.
The best way to observe a Draconid meteor shower is by following these tips
Source: Google
As named above, the Draconid Meteor Shower is not as well known as others. Even so, it is worth living the experience of this event regardless of the social magnitude it represents. To do this, a series of recommendations seem appropriate that will directly contribute to obtaining a good result.
landscape and climate
To observe a meteor shower in general, a landscape away from the city should be chosen. The more light pollution there is, the greater the difficulty in appreciating this astronomical event.
Likewise, the climate proportionally influences the equation. Therefore, it is necessary to have moonlight and a clear sky to live the experience to the fullest. In short, it is not only the place, but also the night and the moment.
tactical equipment
Observing a Draconid Meteor Shower involves the use of tactical gear. Indeed, equipment of binoculars or a telescope is required to maximize the field of view itself. Such instruments are designed to generate favorable focus or magnification, capable of providing the user with a beneficial field of view.
Origin area
An important fact to note is that it is not possible to observe a shower of stars in all the skies. In general, as far as the Draconids are concerned, they are mostly visible in the northern hemisphere and the equatorial zone. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to enjoy this night show.