Draconids meteor shower visible over the Netherlands this week

The annual Draconids meteor shower is on its way this week, and will be visible across many different cities in the Netherlands so long as the weather holds out! The meteor shower, also known by some as the Giacobindis, will reach its peak on October 8. Stargazers are in for a treat as the Orionid meteor shower is also taking place this month, peaking on October 21. 

Draconid meteor shower predicted to peak on October 8

Thankfully, the Draconids meteor shower is one of the few meteor showers throughout the year where you don’t need to stay up late or pull an all-nighter to catch the show. The shower is usually visible in the early evening, just as it starts to get dark outside. 

The meteor shower will reach its peak on the evening of October 8. The Draconids shower features only a few meteors an hour, but in the past, some showers have been known to feature hundreds of meteors an hour - though it should still be noted that this is rare!

Orionid meteor shower visible in the Netherlands in October

The Orionids are normally seen around October each year. They are created by Halley's Comet, specifically from the debris left behind by the travelling comet. Halley takes roughly 76 years to orbit the sun, and was last seen from Earth in 1986. It will be visible again in 2061.

The shower is named after Orion, as the meteors appear to emerge from the same section of the sky as the Orion’s Belt constellation. According to NASA, the Orionids meteor shower is set to peak on the night of October 20 into the early morning of October 21.

How to see October meteor showers from the Netherlands

Though it's possible to catch a glimpse of the meteor shower from your home, for the best experience, you could try heading to a  national park. Generally, the darker the environment, the easier it is to spot the meteors.

It is also recommended to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes outside in the dark for your eyes to adjust. Remember to dress warm and take a blanket with you to lie on, as it can get quite chilly during the evenings.