Cloudy skies might spoil view of meteor shower - PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines - Skygazers cannot expect to get a good view of the annual Draconids meteor shower tonight as cloudy skies caused by a low pressure area prevail over the country, the weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday said the meteor shower will start after sunset and last until 10 p.m. 

“However, it is expected to be cloudy tomorrow (Saturday) because of the low pressure area embedded along the intertropical convergence zone, affecting Southern Luzon down to Mindanao. Cloudiness extends up to Metro Manila,” said PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando.

He said there is a slim chance that the prevailing low pressure area will intensify into a cyclone. It is expected, however, to bring moderate to heavy rains in Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao this weekend.

PAGASA said the brightness of the full moon might also prevent the meteor shower from being seen.

The most spectacular Draconids meteor showers on record took place in 1933 and 1946.  

According to PAGASA’s monthly astronomical diary, the peak nights of the shower will take place tonight and tomorrow with 40 meteors falling per hour observed in favorable sky conditions.  

Astronomy enthusiasts can also look forward to the Orionids meteor shower from Oct. 17 to 25. Orionids are fast meteors with fireballs. At maximum rates, 15 meteors may fall per hour.

PAGASA though said that sometimes there are lulls even during the maximum peak nights of Oct. 21 to 22.

The Orionids shower may be seen under a favorable sky condition but the “large waning crescent moon interferes with this shower display.”