Los Angeles, CA – West Coast residents can expect a colorful celestial show Thursday night as the Draconid Meteor Shower peaks, delivering up to 20 meteors per hour visible across clear skies from California to Washington.
According to NASA, the Draconids are best viewed shortly after sunset on October 9, 2025, when the constellation Draco the Dragon is high in the northwest sky. Unlike many other meteor showers that peak in the early morning, this event favors evening viewing — ideal for casual skywatchers and families.
The Draconids are known for their slow, graceful meteors, often glowing in shades of green, yellow, and red. In rare years, they’ve erupted into “meteor storms,” producing hundreds of streaks per hour.
For the best experience, experts recommend finding a dark viewing area away from city lights, facing the northwest, and allowing 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Viewers along the coast and inland valleys should see optimal visibility if skies remain clear.
The Draconids originate from debris shed by Comet 21P/Giacobini–Zinner, which orbits the Sun every 6.6 years.
