ICYMI: Amazing Photos of the Draconid Meteor Shower

The Draconid meteor shower lit up the skies over the United States, Canada, and Europe last night. The show — which gets its name because the particles appear to be shooting out from the constellation Draco the dragon — will continue tonight, raining down at a rate of about 10 to 20 meteors per hour. If you won’t get a chance to see them for yourself (or are in too bright a city to get a good view), you can still be wowed: Check out these great shots posted on Instagram by eager astronomers.

Tucson, Arizona

The shower should be visible from the US, Canada, and Europe, but it helps if you can find a spot away from bright lights.

(Photo: Instagram/seanparkerphotography)

Hibaldstow Bridge, UK

In August, stargazers spent a week staring up at the Perseids meteor shower, which brought down 100 meteors an hour. The Draconids are far fewer, only 10 to 20 an hour.

(Photo: Instagram/mthornleyphotography)

Related: Dazzling Stargazing Destinations Worth Going Off the Grid For

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Draconids get their name from the constellation Draco, which they appear to shoot from. But they’re not dragon fire — they’re particles from Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, which orbits the sun once every 6.5 years.

(Photo: Instagram/mrophiophagus)

Brunswick, Maine

None of the meteors will make it to Earth; their small size means that they’ll burn up in the atmosphere.

(Photo: Instagram/jbateman01)

Related: Draconid Meteor Shower: What You Need to Know

Buffalo, New York

The constellation Draco is the Latin word for dragon; it was first named by Ptolemy in the second century.

(Photo: Instagram/rhallock)

Related: Dream Job: I’m an Astronomy Guide in the Atacama

Stockholm, Sweden

You have to have a sharp eye to spot a Draconid; they only last a few seconds.

(Photo: Instagram/cloudshunter)

WATCH: Heaven on Earth: The Hidden Oasis of the Arabian Desert

Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us onFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out our original adventure travel series A Broad Abroad.