This October, skywatchers are in for a treat as two spectacular meteor showers make their appearance. A supermoon will be visible on the night of October 6th, while the Draconid and Orionid meteor showers will take place over the next week.
A supermoon is when the moon coincides with perigee - its closest point to Earth in a given month. This results in a fuller-than-usual full moon that appears larger than normal and up to 14% brighter due to this close proximity, setting it apart from the usual lunar appearance.
The Draconid meteor shower will peak around October 8th and can be seen producing up to ten meteors per hour. These shooting stars originate from debris left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner. The radiant point of the shower is located in the direction of the constellation Draco, though the meteors themselves may appear across the sky.
The Orionid meteor shower will peak on October 21st. It's caused by Earth passing through a stream of debris left behind by Halley's Comet. On this night, up to twenty meteors per hour can be seen shooting through the dark night sky. The meteors originate from the direction of the constellation Orion.
For those keen on seeing these celestial events, it is recommended to observe them away from city lights or find a spot that has minimal light pollution as any artificial lighting will make the view less spectacular.
A supermoon is when the moon coincides with perigee - its closest point to Earth in a given month. This results in a fuller-than-usual full moon that appears larger than normal and up to 14% brighter due to this close proximity, setting it apart from the usual lunar appearance.
The Draconid meteor shower will peak around October 8th and can be seen producing up to ten meteors per hour. These shooting stars originate from debris left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner. The radiant point of the shower is located in the direction of the constellation Draco, though the meteors themselves may appear across the sky.
The Orionid meteor shower will peak on October 21st. It's caused by Earth passing through a stream of debris left behind by Halley's Comet. On this night, up to twenty meteors per hour can be seen shooting through the dark night sky. The meteors originate from the direction of the constellation Orion.
For those keen on seeing these celestial events, it is recommended to observe them away from city lights or find a spot that has minimal light pollution as any artificial lighting will make the view less spectacular.