Draconid meteor showers 2022: When do they peak in Birmingham and how to watch them

It’s that time of the year again as the Draconid meteor shower is set to return to night skies across the UK, including in Birmingham.

The phenomenon, which is one of two annual meteor showers to cross the skies in the month of October, is set to peak this week.

Draconid meteor showers are less active than others similar in nature, but Brummies can still expect to see a few bright lights streaking across the horizon.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Draconids, including what they are, how to see them, and what the weather forecast looks like in Birmingham for the next seven days.

What is a Draconid meteor shower?

The Draconids are annual meteor showers caused by the Earth travelling through cometary debris.

During a Draconid meteor shower, the debris, from comet 21 P/Giacobini-Zinner, enters the Earth’s atmosphere at around 13 miles per second.

Despite some debris being as small as a grain of sand, they travel at such speed that they burn up, creating bright streaks across the sky – hence the shooting star effect.

The name Draconid derives from the constellation Draco.

When does the Draconid meteor shower peak?

Most meteor showers are best seen in the early hours of the morning, however, the Draconids are actually most visible in the early evening, just after sunset.

According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, the peak of the Draconid meteor shower will be on Sunday, October 8 and Monday, October 9.

However, the showers are also expected to be visible after the sun sets on Saturday, October 7 and Tuesday, October 10.

How can I see the Draconid meteor shower?

In order to have a good chance of seeing the meteor shower, a clear view of the stars in the night sky is essential.

For this to be the case, the weather needs to be clear, the sky needs to be dark, and the horizon needs to be unobstructed with minimal light pollution.

It is also important to have no direct light sources in your eyes, as that way your vision will adjust better to darkness, and the meteor shower will be more visible.

What is the weather forecast for Birmingham this week?

As the Draconid meteor showers strike Birmingham, Brummies can expect a variety of weather conditions, according to the Met Office.

Here is what the Met Office is forecasting for the next seven days in Birmingham:

• Monday, 3 October – Day: Cloudy, 17ºC. Night: Cloudy, 13ºC.
• Tuesday, 4 October – Day: Light rain, 17ºC. Night: Heavy rain, 15ºC.
• Wednesday, 5 October – Day: Rain showers, 16ºC. Night: Clear skies, 9ºC.
• Thursday, 6 October – Day: Sunny spells, 17ºC. Night: Cloudy spells, 12ºC.
• Friday, 7 October – Day: Rain showers, 16ºC. Night: Clear skies, 9ºC.
• Saturday, 8 October – Day: Cloudy, 14ºC. Night: Cloudy spells, 9ºC.
• Sunday, 9 October – Day: Cloudy, 15ºC. Night: Cloudy, 9ºC.