Tonight is your chance to watch the Draconids near their predicted peak, without bright moonlight washing out the faint streaks. (Draconids guide)
- Draconids: Head outside after dark, with the predicted maximum around 9 PM Eastern tonight (01:00 UTC October 9). Draco is high in the northern sky, but meteors can appear anywhere overhead. Scan a wide area with your eyes, and expect a patient watch rather than a meteor storm (Draconids guide).
- A Moon-free evening: Near Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Moon sets at 5:27 PM Eastern, before the 6:32 PM sunset. It stays below the horizon until 5:59 AM tomorrow, October 9, leaving the evening free of moonlight (Allentown sky table).
Bonus: Southern Taurids are active and approach their October 10 maximum. Their slow meteors add another possibility, not a guaranteed sighting (Royal Observatory).
The Draconids are usually modest, with only a handful of meteors per hour under good conditions. No surge is expected this year, and your actual count depends on your location and sky conditions (Draconids guide).
Moon note: Waning crescent; next rise is 5:59 AM Eastern on October 9 near Allentown (phase calendar; Allentown sky table).
Enjoy a little time under the sky, and join the free NOOMMED newsletter for your next backyard outing.