Chicago, IL – Midwestern stargazers are in for a rare celestial treat tonight as the Draconid Meteor Shower reaches its annual peak, sending colorful trails of light across the northern sky.
According to NASA, the Draconids are expected to produce slow, bright meteors visible shortly after sunset, particularly between 7 p.m. and midnight when the constellation Draco the Dragon is highest above the horizon.
Unlike most meteor showers that appear after midnight, the Draconids favor early evening viewing. Observers could spot up to 20 meteors per hour, glowing in shades of green, yellow, and red. In past years, the shower has occasionally erupted into “meteor storms,” filling the sky with hundreds of streaks in a single hour.
Experts recommend finding a dark viewing spot away from city lights, looking toward the northwest sky, and allowing 20–30 minutes for eyes to adjust. The best viewing conditions will occur under clear skies, with cameras encouraged to capture the display.
The Draconids originate from debris left by Comet 21P/Giacobini–Zinner, discovered in 1900.
