Dazzling meteor shower visible tonight across Northern Ireland
Stargazers will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of a Draconid meteor shower on Saturday evening.
The Draconid shower is a real oddity, in that its radiant point stands highest in the sky as darkness falls.
According to UK Meteor Network’s website, “As the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner orbits the sun, it leaves a trail of debris which the Earth crashes into every October. As the debris burns up in our atmosphere, it produces the meteor shower that we call the Draconids.
Unfortunately, there’s a full moon this Saturday, so viewing conditions might not be ideal.
Don’t panic…another one will take place later this month when the Orionids should be visible on 21st October.
While most other meteor showers are best seen in the early hours, the Draconids are best seen in the evening, after nightfall.
How to see the Draconid meteor shower:
Meteor showers are best seen with a good, clear view of the stars on a night with no clouds.
Try to find somewhere with dark skies, an unobstructed horizon and very little light pollution.
Check out some of NI's best stargazing spots 👇
Darvagh Forest, Cookstown
Davagh Forest Park is the first place in Northern Ireland to be accredited as an IDA International Dark Sky Park. It is one of only 85 places around the globe to hold this distinction.
Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge site is classified as one of the best places in Northern Ireland for stargazing. Periodically Carrick-a-Rede hosts special star gazing evenings for astronomy fans.
The entire The Antrim coast road offers points where the aurora sometimes makes an impactful show at night.
Mourne Mountains, Newcastle
There's no need to worry about finding a decent spot for your car or struggling with crowds to see the stars. The Mournes offer miles and miles of stunning scenery, hiking trails and nocturnal skies.
This is truly the perfect spot, void of any light pollution, so pitch up a tent and fall asleep staring at the twinkling sky above.
Oxford Island, Craigavon
Nestled on the banks of Lough Neagh sits Oxford Island! Fun fact: the area has hosted BBC Stargazing Live and has been named a top Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Delamont Country Park, Downpatrick
Another tranquil spot, this time situated on the shores of Strangford Lough.
This beautiful 200-acre park hosts monthly events here with the Irish Astro Association. These sessions cater for everyone no matter their experience, and all ages are welcome.
Divis Mountain, Belfast
The closest stargazing spot to Belfast has to be Divis Mountain, that towers over the city 478m high. The views overlooking the capital city are spectacular but cast your eyes to the skies and you'll still have plenty to see.
Th elevation is so high here, towards the top of the mountain sees very little light pollution from the city below.
Benone Beach, Limavady
Stretching from Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point to Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, enjoy seven miles of golden sands and unparalleled views across to Donegal. There's something so special gazing at the night sky with the sound of waves in the distance.
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