Draconid Meteor Shower: When to Catch It

Annual meteor shower is set to put on a dazzling show in the sky.

ByABC News
October 8, 2015, 9:49 AM
A Draconid meteor and Northern Lights are observed near Skekarsbo at the Farnebofjardens national park, 150 kilometers north of Stockholm, Oct. 8, 2011.
A Draconid meteor and Northern Lights are observed near Skekarsbo at the Farnebofjardens national park, 150 kilometers north of Stockholm, Oct. 8, 2011.
SCANPIX/AP Photo

— -- Get ready for prime time sky gazing tonight when the annual Draconid meteor shower hits its peak.

The Draconid meteor shower occurs each year when Earth collides with debris from the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner.

The debris burns up in Earth's upper atmosphere, creating the streaks of light moving across the night sky. The annual spectacle gets its name from Draco because the meteors appear to streak out of the constellation.

This year's show isn't expected to include a barrage of meteors, however it should still make for spectacular viewing with a few meteors per hour streaking across the evening sky. The meteor shower is expected to be at its busiest around 1:40 a.m. ET Friday, according to National Geographic.

The best way to watch: Find a dark, clear sky. Bring a reclining chair or a blanket, sit back, relax and enjoy the show as meteors streak across the sky.

If you miss this one, there will be another chance later this month.

The Orionids meteor shower, which is known for having bright and quick meteors from the debris of Halley's comet, is expected to peak between October 21 and 22.