When and where to see the Quadrantids, 2025’s first meteor shower
The new year will kick off with the Quadrantid meteor shower, which is expected to peak early Friday.
According to NASA, under perfect conditions, it’s possible to catch 200 meteors per hour in the Quadrant meteor shower, but most astronomy enthusiasts can catch 20-30 meteors per hour at its peak under clear, dark skies. The moon will be “just crescentAccording to the space agency, “and being set early in the night, this should provide good conditions for viewing meteors.
When and Where to See the Quadrantid Meteor Shower
According to NASA, the meteor shower will peak early Friday morning. Although the shower lasts for several days, the hourly shower rate is best during peak hours and is highest as dawn approaches.
The Quadrantid meteor shower will be Active until January 16thAccording to the American Meteor Society.
NASA recommends viewing the meteor shower away from cities and street lights. The Quadrantids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, with observers in the Northwest and Pacific likely to have the best viewing opportunities this year.
People who go out to watch the astronomical phenomena should lie flat with their feet down northeast And look up. Be prepared to wait about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Spectators should also bring blankets or sleeping bags for the cold January weather.
What is a meteor shower?
Meteors are space rocks that enter Earth’s atmosphere. They streak across the sky every night, and when the Earth encounters many meteors at the same time, it’s called a meteor shower. Meteors heat up as they pass through the atmosphere, making them look like shooting stars.
While most meteor showers originate from comets, the Quadrant meteor shower originates from comets Asteroid 2003 EH1 — An asteroid discovered on March 6, 2003.
The Quadrantid meteor shower is also known for its bright fireball meteors, which produce larger explosions of light and color that last longer than average meteor streaks, according to NASA.
