2011 Draconids Meteor Shower 

The Draconids meteor shower is not a major meteor shower in a year. Originated from the debris of the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, this meteor shower peaks around 9 October every year, having a mean rate of only a few meteors per hour. However, it had famous meteor storms in 1933 and 1946 with hourly rates of more than 10,000 meteors. As the Earth may encounter such cometary debris again this year, astronomers estimate that the coming meteor shower will have a very high hourly rate. There may be more than 600 meteors per hour visible between midnight and sunrise. However, the conditions for observation in Hong Kong will not be favourable as the radiant is below the horizon during the occurrence time of maximum. As estimated, only a small amount of meteors can be observed near the horizon in the north. Furthermore, the occurrence happens to fall on 13th day of the lunar month when the bright moonlight will wash out the dimmer meteors to a large extent for naked-eye observation. From a more optimistic perspective, as discrepancies between number of meteors observed and that forecasted by astronomers often take place, there is still possibility for observers to have pleasant surprise. Those interested in observation of this meteor shower should check the latest news nearer the occurrence date.

The occurrence time of the Draconids maxima is as follows: 

(source :Institut de Mecanique Celeste et de Calcul des Ephemerides)

The night sky at 11pm on 9th October 2011. The moon will affect nake eyes observation.

The night sky at 0:40am on 10th Octorber 2011. The Radiant falls below the horizon.

Here are some tips for watching the Draconids:

1. Despite the recent advances in the theory of prediction, the time and number of meteors at the maxima may still have substantial deviation. For those who would like to perform scientific observation, it is advised to keep watchful eyes on the sky 1 to 2 days before and after the predicted maxima. 

2. The radiant of Draconids will fall before 1am. The number of meteors will largely decrease after the fall of the radiant. Hence during the peak hours which is around 1am to 4am, obersvers in Hong Kong may not be able to see many meteors. The hours before 1am could have a better chance instead.
   

3. Although the radiant will be in constellation Draco, stargazers are not necessary to look directly there. A certain angle around 40 to 60 degrees away from the radiant is optimal. Therefore, an observation site with unobstructed view, especially the north, is essential.

4. Although travelling to the countryside can definitely enable a stargazer to appreciate more meteors including the dimmer ones, city stargazers may be restrained from doing so by traffic, unstable weather, work or school on the next day. An open place next to your house with unobstructed view is also desirable.

5. Basically, the meteors can be appreciated by naked eyes and no telescope is required. You should bring along with you a star-map, a red torch, a deck chair and a sleeping bag or blanket.

6. You may capture the image of Dracondis with camera. Basic equipment includes a camera with long time exposure function ('Bulb' shutter). Camera lens should be set to infinity with maximum aperture with a ISO 800 or larger. Then point the camera to Draco or neighbour constellations for a 5-minute exposure time and try your luck.