Western Isles Weather

Plenty to see in the night sky at the moment with the Draconid Meteor shower peaking on Wednesday and Mars on its closest approach for 15 years.

🔴Look out for Mars overnight all week
-It's at it's closest to Earth for 15 years
-38.57 million miles away
-It'll be brightest on 13th
-Look east from 8pm
-Look out for a bright orange star, visible with the naked eye
-Highest in the sky around midnight-look south
Pic @mars_stu pic.twitter.com/FHTdLRsg85

— Laura Tobin (@Lauratobin1) October 7, 2020

Another night of celestial treats …if skies remain clear where you are
👀
Mars remains the closest it’ll be to Earth for the next 15 years
🌠
The #Draconid meteor shower is approaching its peak. Here’s how to see it https://t.co/82EJIvV3dk pic.twitter.com/kRryJn9yQU

— BBC Weather (@bbcweather) October 7, 2020

This BBC article explains best how to see it

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54450553

How are conditions looking in the Western Isles for seeing both events?

We should see plenty of clear skies this evening meaning that there should be plenty of opportunities to see Mars and the Draconids could prove a little more elusive at 10 an hour. But could be a good idea to find somewhere very dark and away from light pollution. Variable amounts of cloud but plenty of clear skies would likely be within travelling distance. Cloudiest spot looks set to be Barra. Very best of the clear skies for the rest of the islands will be after 23:00 the evening.

Here is a selection of photos from years gone by

Desert Draconids 2016 in #tucson #Draconid #DraconidMeteorShower #meteorshower #space pic.twitter.com/5A0g1puR78

— Sean Parker (@seanparkerphoto) October 9, 2015

#aurora and #draconid #meteor over #Dublin #ireland !! 😀 #CME #Solarstorm #sky #wow #rte #tv3 pic.twitter.com/drxOUEu3

— Ian Carruthers (@HurricanesArt) October 8, 2012