Mark your calendars! Floridians across the state will have the chance to witness a celestial event as the Draconid Meteor Shower peaks on the nights of October 7–8, 2024. Known for its connection to the constellation Draco the Dragon, this meteor shower promises up to five meteors per hour visible to stargazers throughout Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys.
The Draconid meteor shower is a product of Earth passing through the debris left by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. While the Draconids are typically less intense than other meteor showers, such as the Orionids later in October, they have occasionally put on stunning shows, like the memorable display in 2011.
Best Time to Watch
The peak viewing hours for Floridians will occur after sunset on October 7, with the best chances to spot meteors between 8:00 p.m. and midnight. Whether you’re on the beaches of the Gulf Coast or the inland plains, the meteors can be seen in any part of the sky, although they will radiate from the northwest.
How to Maximize Your Viewing Experience: