October skies to witness peak activity of Draconids and Orionids meteor showers

Stargazers are in for a treat this October as two meteor showers, the Draconids and Orionids, are set to reach their peak activity.

According to Report, the Draconids will peak on October 8-9, while the Orionids will dazzle the night sky on October 20-21.

At their peak, the Draconids are expected to produce up to 15 meteors per hour, while the Orionids may showcase up to 20 meteors per hour. However, the Draconids have been known to surprise with outbursts of up to 400 meteors per hour in the past.

The Draconids originate from the debris left behind by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner and are named after the constellation Draco, where their radiant (the point from which they appear to originate) is located. These meteors are known for their slow speed and reddish hue. On the peak night, the meteors will be visible above the northwestern horizon, slightly left and above the Big Dipper.

The Orionids, on the other hand, are born from the trail of particles left by the famous Halley's Comet. They derive their name from the constellation Orion, where their radiant lies. Orionid meteors are typically fast and white in color.