Stargazing Alert: Draconid Meteor Shower Lights Up San Antonio Skies

Stargazing Alert: Draconid Meteor Shower Lights Up San Antonio Skies

If you’re in San Antonio, get ready to look up this week because the Draconid meteor shower is making an appearance! Taking place during the week of October 6-10, this celestial event will be visible from most of North America, and it promises to be quite a treat for stargazers.

What to Expect

For those who are keen on watching the meteors, you might want to mark your calendars for the night of October 7 through the early hours of October 8. While that night is predicted to see the most activity, don’t worry if you miss it because you can still catch some meteors on the nights that follow.

Now, here’s a cool tidbit: unlike most meteor showers that are best viewed in the early morning hours, the Draconids are expected to be visible right after sunset. So, instead of setting your alarm for the wee hours, you can simply grab a blanket and enjoy the night sky from around dusk until midnight!

Perfect Conditions for Viewing

Another exciting aspect of this year’s show is that a waxing moon, just a thin sliver, will help enhance visibility. With less light flooding the sky, the meteors will stand out even more, making it a splendid night to stargaze.

What Makes It Special?

The Draconid meteors radiate from two stars known as the Dragon’s Eyes, named Eltanin and Rastaban, which you can find in the constellation Draco. Draco is nestled between two recognizable star formations, the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper, making it easier to locate since you’re already familiar with those stars. However, you can see these meteors streak across the sky from various angles.

Interesting to note, the Draconids are often known as a “sleeper” meteor shower. Typically producing only about 10 meteors per hour, these meteors move a bit slower compared to others. This slow-motion display means that each streak of light can last from one to two seconds, offering a captivating show for anyone lucky enough to catch it.

How Do Meteor Showers Work?

Meteor showers are the result of our planet passing through trails of debris left by comets and asteroids. For the Draconids, this debris originates from the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, which swings by Earth approximately every seven years. It’s fascinating to think about how the last time it came close was back in September 2018.

Best Viewing Tips

So, how can you ensure you don’t miss out? First, find a spot that’s away from the harsh lights of the city. A rooftop, park, or any open area will do just fine! Then, make yourself comfortable by lying on your back and gazing up at the sky. You won’t need any fancy telescopes or equipment—just your eyes and a sense of wonder.

In Other Local News: H-E-B’s Digital Revolution

H-E-B? They’re launching a new phased rollout of digital tap-to-pay services right here in San Antonio. Starting on October 7, shoppers will be able to pay using their smartphones with apps like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.

This service is particularly handy for those times when you forget your wallet at home. The rollout will occur gradually over about a week, eventually covering all H-E-B locations, including Mi Tienda stores in Houston.

With this new technology, payments can be made at cash registers, self-checkout, and even at restaurants and pharmacies within H-E-B stores—though you’ll need to bring your phone to the fuel station payment window for gas. H-E-B has been on a tear with new technologies, even launching a debit card last year and partnering with a local delivery service.

It’s comforting to see a beloved grocery store continuously innovating to better serve its customers.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re planning to gaze at the heavens for a stunning meteor shower or take advantage of the latest payment technology, there’s certainly a lot happening in San Antonio! It’s a perfect week to step outside, look up, and enjoy everything our city has to offer.