It's not one of the better-known meteor showers of the year, but today sees the beginning of the Quadrantids, which can theoretically produce up to 120 shooting stars per hour at its peak — as much as August's famous Perseid meteor shower.
Thursday, Dec. 12, sees the beginning of the Quadrantids, but with the peak night still some weeks away, there’s still time to plan a trip to dark skies.
The Quadrantid meteor shower runs from Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, through Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
When Is The Quadrantids Peak Night?
Although you can see some Quadrantids on any clear night from now through January, you’ll have the best chance on that peak, for those in North America, that will occur straight after dark on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
Despite being poorly known, the Quadrantids have the potential to be the strongest shower of the year, according to the American Meteor Society.
Quadrantids Meteor Shower: What To Expect
However, they get missed by many sky-watchers because of cloudy and cold weather in January in the Northern Hemisphere, and because the peak rates occur only for about six hours.
AMS states that the average observer under dark skies will see about 25 shooting stars per hour during that peak, but crucially, they will include some super-bright fireballs. It should be a good show this year, with a crescent moon setting well before the peak.
What And Where Are The Quadrantids?
The name of the shower comes from Quadrans Muralis, a constellation that no longer officially exists. That's where its shooting stars and fireballs radiate from — close to the end of the handle of the Big Dipper — but they can be seen anywhere in the night sky.
All “shooting stars” are caused by dust and dirt striking Earth’s atmosphere, though usually the source is a passing comet.
What Causes The Quadrantid Meteor Shower
The Quadrantid meteor shower is caused by dust and debris left in the inner solar system by 2003 EH1, which is an asteroid or a “rock comet,” according to NASA. It was only discovered in 2003 and takes 5.5 years to orbit the sun.
All “shooting stars” are caused by dust and dirt striking Earth’s atmosphere, though usually the source is a passing comet. The Quadrantids and December’s Geminids (whose peak is imminent) are the only two meteor showers caused by asteroids.
How To See The Quadrantids
Here are some tips on seeing meteor showers from NASA:
Get as far away from urban light pollution as possible (preferably to an International Dark Sky Park).
Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the night sky.
Dress warmly — it may get freezing.
Be patient and watch for at least half an hour, preferably on a reclining chair or ground pad.
Do not try to use a telescope or binoculars — they significantly reduce your chances of seeing “shooting stars.”
Avoid looking at your cellphone or any other white light — it will instantly destroy your night vision. Use red light only.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.