Put this in your diary --- Saturday the 8th October. The Draconid meteor shower will take place over Western Europe just after it gets dark here in the UK. A Canadian astronomer thinks he has worked out that it will be a particularly good display, for about an hour. This is not a meteor shower that delivers perfect displays every year, as the comet that makes it happen has yet to unclump and spread its debris all around its orbit. However, Paul Wiegert thinks he has unpicked the pattern of good years and bad years by looking at historical records, and applying his understanding of solar system dynamics.
It has got to be worth a look, and I'll be opening the observatory at 6.00pm BST and closing again at 8.00pm. Places are limited, so the first ten families - Bootham or ISSP to apply will get a place for an adult and a young person! Mail me here to get your place...
