How to watch the Quadrantid meteor shower as it peaks
Astronomy enthusiasts, brace yourselves for a dazzling display as the Quadrantids, the first meteor shower of 2025, light up the sky.
The Quadrantids are unique among meteor showers as they originate from debris left by an asteroid, rather than a comet. This shower, best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere, is renowned for its bright fireballs and has been described by NASA as one of the strongest and most consistent meteor showers of the year. However, the peak visibility window is relatively short, lasting just six hours on the night of Jan. 2 into Jan. 3, and winter weather conditions such as frigid temperatures and overcast skies may challenge observers.
The Quadrantids are named after Quadrans Muralis, an 18th-century constellation astronomers no longer use. Both the constellation and the shower are named after an instrument called the quadrant, which was once used to measure the altitudes of stars and other bodies in the night sky.
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No specialized equipment is necessary to see the Quadrantids, but patience and preparation are key. Observers should dress warmly, find a dark spot away from city lights, and allow their eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. The meteors can appear anywhere in the sky but are most visible about two-thirds of the way above the horizon.
The radiant point of the Quadrantids, from which the meteors seem to originate, is located in the former constellation Quadrans Muralis, near the Plough.
Under ideal conditions, skywatchers may see over 100 meteors per hour, but due to the shower's short peak, most observers are unlikely to see this many shooting stars. Fortunately, the waxing moon sets early during the peak viewing nights, minimizing light pollution and enhancing the visibility of the meteors. So, bundle up, find a cozy spot under the night sky, and enjoy the first meteor shower of 2025.
