In North Carolina, the Draconids are best around 8:30 PM on the night of the peak (October 08, 2027), when the radiant stands about 57° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 8 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 8:30 PM to 6:04 AM, and the moon will be 55% lit and above the horizon at the best time.
Best time
8:30 PM
local time
Est. rate
8/h
dark sky
Radiant
57° high
toward NW
Moon
55%
up
Dark places to watch the Draconids in North Carolina
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Lookout National Seashore | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Lookout Point | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Pettigrew State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Bee Tree Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Stone Mountain State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Lumber River State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Singletary Lake State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Lake Waccamaw State Park | State Park | 3 |
| New River State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Mount Jefferson State Natural Area | State Park | 3 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Draconids in North Carolina?
Around 8:30 PM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.