When to observe these astronomical phenomena from Guatemala?

Home Health When to observe these astronomical phenomena from Guatemala?
When to observe these astronomical phenomena from Guatemala?

Are you a fan of star shower or meteors? In October you can enjoy two phenomena of this type: meteors Draconids and the Orionids.

This October 10, the Draconid shower will be visible in different regions of the world. As for Guatemala, Your observation will depend on weather conditionsindicates Eleonora Poitevin, president of the Guatemalan Astronomy Association (AGA). If the weather is favorable, you could see them from 10 p.m. on this day.

According to Time and Datethe second meteor shower of October will peak around October 21 2025. This phenomenon could also be observable from 10 p.m.

Both phenomena correspond to October, although the possibility of appreciating them is subject to the weather on each day.

Draconid meteor shower forecast for October 2025

Guatemalan astronomer Edgar Castro shares this visibility forecast by region, taking into account climatic factors.

Region/City Friday, October 10 (7–10:30 p.m.) Saturday, October 11 (7–10:30 p.m.) Observation
Metropolitan area (Guatemala/Antigua) Low – showers/thunderstorms Low – showers/thunderstorms very difficult
Western Highlands (Quetzaltenango) Low – some rain Low – some rain very difficult
Huehuetenango Low – showers/thunderstorms Low – rainy periods very difficult
Verapaces (Cobán) Low – scattered thunderstorms Low – scattered thunderstorms very difficult
Petén (Flores) Medium – brief showers (possible clearings) Low – storms Best option on Friday
Caribbean (Puerto Barrios) Low – storms Medium-low – some rain Complicated
South Coast (Escuintla) Low – rainy periods Low – storms very difficult
East (Jutiapa) Low – showers/thunderstorms Low – showers/thunderstorms very difficult
Zacapa / Motagua Valley Medium-low – thunderstorms in parts Medium – some rain Possible windows on Saturday

What are the Draconids, the first meteor shower of October 2025?

The name of this phenomenon comes from the constellation of Draco, the dragon. According to Time and Dateoccurs when the Earth passes through dust left by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. “The comet takes about 6.6 years to make a complete revolution around the Sun,” adds the specialized site.

This meteor shower was active since last October 6, but this day could still be observed in our country and in other regions of the world.

As for the Orionid shower, it is located in the constellation Orion and can also be seen anywhere on the planet, according to star walk. Although It started on October 2, it can be observed until November 7indicates said specialized site.

According to the visibility forecast, this meteor shower has a high probability of observation, since it will coincide with the New Moonlunar phase that allows you to appreciate them better. Likewise, it is estimated to be one of the most beautiful astronomical events of the year.

Other meteor showers that can be observed will be the Delta Aurígidas, whose peak will take place on October 11 at 10 p.m. and the Leonis Minorids, mostly visible on the 21st from 3 hours, according to newspaper information from Prensa Libre provided by astronomer Edgar Castro Bathen

For his part, Edgar Castro, director of the Diploma in Astronomy and Basic Astrophysics degree at the Galileo University, details the main meteor showers of October 2025

How to observe the Draconid rain?

Astronomy experts say that no special equipment or great skills are required to see a meteor shower.

According to Time and DateThe most important thing is that the sky is clear, have the necessary patience and, if possible, have an interactive sky map and visibility conditions meter. To increase your chances of enjoying the phenomenon, you can follow these tips:

  • Choose a secluded location, away from urban lights. On site, it may take 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
  • Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and other items such as a blanket to place on the floor or a comfortable chair, as the phenomenon may take a while.
  • Lie on the ground and look at the sky. You can use an interactive map as a guide.
  • Observation of the radiant. Although meteors appear to originate in the radiant, they could appear in any direction in the sky.

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