Keep your eyes peeled for the autumn meteor shower in Menorca, starting in October!
Watching a shooting star is always magical, but it’s even more enchanting when you see it from the beautiful island of Menorca—it’s simply incomparable. In today’s article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know so you don’t miss out on this autumn marvel.
The Draconids are a meteor shower that can be seen from the island at the beginning of fall, taking their name from the Draco constellation, or “The Dragon.” Also called the Giacobinids, after the comet they come from, these meteors are visible in the first days of October, with peak visibility predicted for the 8th of the month. The radiant point, where the meteors seem to originate, is located in the Draco constellation, positioned between the constellations of Hercules and Ursa Minor. This means the Draconids can only be observed from the Northern Hemisphere. For the star enthusiasts out there, the meteor shower originates from the 21P/Giacobini-Zinner comet, which orbits the sun every 6 years and 3 months.
In recent years, meteor activity has been especially intense, particularly when the Earth passed very close to the trail of particles left behind by the comet. This was the case in 2011, which saw one of the most spectacular meteor showers in past 15 years.
If you’re planning a trip to the island soon, we recommend finding a great place to stay, and Vibra Hotels offers an excellent option in terms of quality and price. They have a hotel complex on the west side of the island. The Vibra Blanc Palace Hotel, Vibra Blanc Cottage, and Caleta Playa Apartments all have excellent amenities, including stunning gardens, multiple pools, and direct access to turquoise waters. The complex is just a short distance from Ciutadella, the island’s former capital. During the day, you can take scenic walks along the town’s charming streets and explore its historic center, including the Santa Maria Cathedral, the Fish Market, Plaça des Born, and the Sant Nicolau Castle. We also recommend wandering through the the labyrinthine streets of the port – a fascinating mini calanque where you´ll find several restaurants offering typical Menorcan fare.
Did you know that meteor showers occur when the trail of dust and rock particles left by comets in their orbit around the Sun enters Earth’s atmosphere and vaporizes, creating a glowing effect known as meteors? These events can be predicted in advance because every year, Earth crosses the path of several comets during its orbit around the Sun, like the 21P/Giacobini-Zinner comet we mentioned earlier in this blog.
Where´s the best place to stargaze?
To fully enjoy this astronomical phenomenon, it’s essential to find a dark spot, away from areas with light pollution. This year, the forecast indicates that the meteors will be visible between the nights of October 6th and 10th, with the peak night expected on the 8th for the most spectacular viewing.
Another tip to increase your chances of seeing the shooting stars is to lie flat on the ground and look towards the darkest part of the sky, away from the moon’s natural light. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, your chances of enjoying the show will increase.
The key to watching the Draconids, as with any meteor shower, is to choose an open space like a field, beach, or mountain—perfect settings to lie back and take in the night sky.
After the Draconids, the Leonids will follow, with their peak expected on November 17th. Hurry up and make your reservation at Vibra Hotels and come enjoy all that Menorca has to offer!