The 2026 Draconid meteor shower is currently underway and reaches its peak on the evenings of 8/9 October.
Follow these quick top tips to make the most of tonight's stargazing event, which is visible with just the naked eye.
For more advice, read our full Draconid meteor shower guide
- Get away from light pollution and observe under a dark sky to increase your chances of spotting a meteor.
- If observing from your own garden, turn off all the lights so they don't spoil the view.
- Avoid using white lights such as torches and mobile phones, as this will spoil your dark-adapted vision.
- If you need to see in the dark, use a red light torch or turn your phone's screen red in the settings.
- Wrap up warm, bring something to eat and perhaps a hot drink as well.
- Use a reclining chair or sunlounger so you can look upwards without getting cramp in your neck.
- Allow 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness so you'll be able to see more meteors.
- Find the Draco constellation and then look about two-thirds up in the sky in any direction.
- If you can trace a meteor back to Draco, chances are you've seen a Draconid meteor.
Send us your meteor observations and images by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com.
