Among the year’s most intense celestial events, the Quadrantids meteor shower is a great way to usher in the new year with style. With its bright fireballs and very short-termed peak activity, this meteor shower stages an exceptional show across the nighttime sky.
Why the Quadrantids Shine Bright
Meteor showers are viewed when Earth passes through debris trails left by asteroids or comets, and the Quadrantids are no exception. The meteors originate from asteroid 2003 EH1, a “rock comet,” and also possibly from Comet 96P/Machholz. The origin of the Quadrantids, unlike icy comets, gives them this peculiar display of fire.
The shower is noted for its brief maximum, only about six hours, since Earth cuts through a narrow stream of particles perpendicular to its orbit. This causes a very sharp surge in the rate of meteor activity, making it one of the most notable events in the stargazer’s calendar.
Quadrantid forecasting
The Quadrantids are forecast to peak on January 3 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET, with the best views then for Alaska, Hawaii and eastern Asia. The US east coast might see rates of as many as 25 per hour, western North American viewers may have twice that as their sunrise time is later:.
To see it unobstructed, find a dark open area away from city lights. Bring a blanket or chair to lie on and look straight up. Turn off bright screens and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. If the weather allows, the shower could yield over 100 meteors per hour in western Alaska.
A Meteor Shower with an Unusual Name
The Quadrantids take their name from the now-defunct star group called Quadrans Muralis that existed between the constellations Boötes and Draco. The constellation itself may have disappeared without a trace, but at least the meteor shower preserves its name.
The meteors can cover the expanse of the sky, but their radiant point falls between the Big Dipper and the star Arcturus. This means skywatchers don’t have to focus their attention on one single place in the sky to fully enjoy the event.
