Love stargazing? Then you’re in for a treat this weekend!

The night of Saturday 8th October is set to show off the annual Draconids Meteor Shower at peak visibility – and it’s all going to be visible from our islands.

This year, the shower is set to be visible as soon as the sun sets, so anytime after 6:30pm. You should be able to keep spotting the occasional meteor up until 4:30am on Sunday 9th October.

Unfortunately, the night sky of 8th October will be partially lit up by a Full Moon, which is also set to be rather close to the meteor shower’s origin. This will adversely impact the phenomenon’s visibility.

The Draconids Meteor Shower is created when the Earth passes through the debris left by parent comet 21P / Giacobini-Zinner.

It takes this comet over six-and-a-half years to make a single revolution around the sun.

Interestingly, the Draconids Meteor Shower gets its name from the Draco the Dragon constellation as its Radiant (i.e., its origin), is situated close to said constellation.

Want to spot the meteor shower?

Then we highly suggest heading to a secluded and dark viewing spot, as far away as possible from any light pollution.

The darkest spots on the Maltese islands are as follows: Kuncizzjoni (Mgarr), Fomm ir-Rih (Mgarr), Rdum il-Qammieh (Mellieha), Armier (Mellieha), San Lawrenz (Gozo), Zebbug (Gozo), and Nadur (Gozo).