Draconids Meteor Shower

Location of Staunton River State Park in Virginia

Where

Staunton River State Park, 1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg, VA 24589.
Observation Field

When

Oct. 6, 2026 12:00 a.m. - Oct. 10, 2026 11:00 p.m.

The Draconids meteor shower is a minor meteor shower that produces only about 10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first discovered in 1900. The Draconids is an unusual shower because the best viewing is in the early evening instead of the early morning. The shower runs annually from October 6 to October 10, with the 2026 peak being the night of the 7th. The waning crescent moon will not pose much of a problem with viewing. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Guests are welcome to gather on the Observation Field during this event and watch for meteors. We recommend chairs or blankets for stargazing during this event because of the wide-open space. Telescopes and binoculars are not necessary. Parking is available in the Visitor Center parking lot, and the restrooms will be open. This is a self-guided program and does not include ranger-led instruction.

meteor shower

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 434-572-4623
Email Address: StauntonRiver@dcr.virginia.gov