{
  "id": 12612428,
  "title": "The Draconids, an unpredictable shower that can bring hundreds of meteors per minute, has begun",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/the-draconids-an-unpredictable-shower-that-can-bring-hundreds-of",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-07T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/space/meteoroids/the-draconids-an-unpredictable-shower-that-can-bring-hundreds-of-meteors-per-minute-has-begun"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Draconids, a meteor shower known for its unpredictability, has commenced. Although the forecast predicts only a handful of shooting stars per hour, the shower has a history of producing spectacular meteor storms with little to no warning. Each year, the Draconid meteor shower takes place from October 6 to 10, peaking on October 8-9 when around 10 shooting stars per hour are expected.\n\nUnlike most meteor showers, the Draconids are best seen in the evening rather than after midnight or before dawn. This year, the timing is especially favorable as the new moon occurs on October 10, offering dark skies for optimal viewing. The radiant point of the Draconids, the constellation Draco, the Dragon, is highest in the sky during the evening, making it accessible without needing to stare directly at the constellation.\n\nDespite its name, meteors from the Draconids can appear anywhere in the sky. However, the shower remains notoriously unpredictable, with some years seeing up to 500 meteors per minute, as in 1933. This unpredictability makes each viewing opportunity valuable. To view the Draconids, one can use the naked eye, or for enhanced experience, a pair of stargazing binoculars or a backyard telescope will be beneficial. With these opportunities, it's suggested that everyone take a moment to gaze at the stars.",
  "summary": "Peaking on Oct. 8-9, the unpredictable Draconid meteor shower is one of the few that's best seen just after dark. Could it produce another meteor storm?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}