Draconids expected to peak on October 8 and 9

The Draconid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak from the evening of October 8 into October 9, 2026, with forecasts calling for a modest display of about five to 10 meteors an hour under favorable viewing conditions. The shower is active from October 6 to 10, and its evening timing makes it possible to watch without waiting until after midnight. A peak forecast cited by astronomy services puts the maximum near 1 UTC on October 9, which is 9 p.m. EDT on October 8. The precise rate viewers will see is uncertain: the estimates depend on conditions, and no observations of the 2026 peak are yet available. The Draconids are best watched after dusk, when their apparent origin point, or radiant, in the constellation Draco is high in the sky. As the night progresses, the radiant sinks lower, reducing the likelihood of seeing meteors. The streaks can appear across the sky, so observers do not need to look directly at Draco. The October 10 new moon is expected to leave little moonlight during the shower’s peak, improving visibility if skies are clear.