The first big astronomical event of 2025, the Quadrantid meteor shower, peaks this week and promises to be a great spectacle for skygazers. Unlike most meteor showers, which come from comets, the Quadrantids come from asteroid 2003 EH1, described by NASA as a “dead comet” or “rock comet.”.
This shower was first seen in the early 19th century. It has a very short peak of only six hours. Its brevity arises because Earth is crossing the debris trail at an angle. This peak is going to occur Friday between 15:00 and 18:00 UTC, which works best for the observers in Hawaii and Alaska.
During the peak, the best conditions can produce as many as 200 meteors per hour. The event coincides with a waxing crescent moon, which means minimal light interference. However, winter weather and cloud cover may impede views in parts of the U.S.
To gain maximum views, experts would suggest finding a dark location far from city lights. The best time for observing the shower will be from midnight to dawn when the radiant, near the constellation Boötes, is highest in the northeastern sky.
Patience is the best advice by the American Meteor Society, as meteors will appear sporadically at an average of one per couple of minutes. Avoid telescopes and binoculars to see more; they narrow down the field of view.
Although activity continues through mid-January, the strongest peak occurs during that relatively brief window. Observers may still see around 25 meteors per hour under good conditions after the peak.
This year’s Quadrantid meteor shower is a brief but spectacular chance to see one of nature’s most dramatic celestial shows. Grab a blanket, dress warmly, and get ready to be amazed by the night sky.
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