by The Quadrantids have the potential to be the ‘strongest meteor shower of the year’, according to the American Meteor Society
Fireworks aren’t the only thing that will light up the night sky in the new year!
That’s because the Quadrantids are expected to peak at the beginning of January, marking the first meteor shower in 2024.
Sky watchers in the northern hemisphere love it since the radiant of this shower is located far north in the sky. This means that around 100 meteors per hour could shoot at peak.
However, like all meteor showers, celestial spectacles of this magnitude can only be viewed under perfect conditions. For example, the moon is one factor that often blocks the view of stars due to its luminous glow.
But don’t fear the early new year, stargazers! January’s full moon does not rise until the end of the month; therefore, the lunar display will be a new phase at the time of the expected peak of the Quadrantids.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to the 2024 Quadrantid Meteor shower, including when and how to view them in the sky.
Related: Everything you need to know about January’s New Moon and What It Means for Your Zodiac Sign
When does the Quadrantid Meteor shower peak?
![(Photo: Mike Lewinski [CC BY 2.0]/Flickr) A Quaternary meteor lights up the sky over New Mexico.](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xabAqkoGogcK5pn.ioHUBQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYwNQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/3c4d01b82b880f4efe374ad7576692dd)
The Quadrantid 2024 meteor shower is predicted to peak late at night on January 3rd into the early morning of January 4th between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am local time. According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), the Quadrantids “have the potential to be the strongest shower of the year.”
Although your chances of seeing a shooting star increase at that time, there are other opportunities to catch a glimpse of the shows since the Quaternides remain active through mid-January (around January 16) each year.
Related: All About the 2023 Ursid Meteor Shower, including When It Peaks and How to Watch
How to see the Quadrantid Meteor shower?
Although the AMS suggests that the Quadrantids have the potential to be the “strongest meteor shower of the year,” the organization notes that it “usually falls short due to the short duration of maximum activity (6 hours ) and the bad weather during the early period). January.”
As with all meteors, the chance of seeing one in the night sky depends on a number of factors. Light pollution, along with clouds and fog, are some of the biggest obstacles that often prevent stargazing from seeing a shooting star.
Another factor to consider when trying to view a meteor shower is the moon, as its luminous glow can act as light pollution. This is not always the case, however, as it depends on the phase of the moon on the night of the shower.
The expected peak of this year’s Quadrantids comes with a quarter moon, which means Earthlings will see the half-lit moon after the December full moon (known as the Cold Moon) on January 3, 2024.
Under a dark moonless sky, the Quadrantids can produce over 100 meteors per hour. If you miss the peak, try keeping your eyes skyward during the new moon on January 11. That’s when the moon will look black since it won’t be illuminated by the Sun.
Since the glow of the moon is out of your control, there are other viewing tips to consider when trying to spot a meteor. It’s best to eliminate as much light pollution as possible, so put yourself in a dark place away from city lights.
Depending on where you are watching from around the world, be sure to dress appropriately if you intend to spend a lot outside. (Remember the Quadrantids are active around the Winter Solstice, so it might be cold!)
Where is the Quadrantid Meteor shower visible in the sky?
Meteors are the product of leftover comet particles and bits from asteroids. When these objects come close to the sun, they leave behind a trail of dust. Each year, these particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere as they pass through, then disintegrate to create colorful streaks in the sky.
Although comets are the true point of origin for meteor showers, to the casual observer the meteor appears to come from the “radiant,” or the point in the sky from which the shooting stars appear. However, the radiant Quadrantids are no more!
In fact, it derives (and got its name from) a now extinct constellation known as the Quadrans Muralis (“Mural Quadrant”), according to EarthSky. Instead, viewers in the Northern Hemisphere can set their sights on the famous Dipper, like the radiant of the Urcans.
However, according to NASA’s Bill Cooke, that’s not the only place you want to look in the sky. “Meteors near the radiant have very short paths and are easy to miss, so observers should avoid looking at that constellation,” he said.
(Please tip: Lie down on the ground, adjust your eyes to the dark sky and zoom in as much as you can to get a chance to see a star!)
Related: All About December’s Full Moon and What It Does for Your Zodiac Sign
Which meteor shower comes after the Quaternions?
The Quadrantids are the last meteor showers that have been active for a few months. The next meteor shower will be the Lyrids, which will become active on April 15, 2024.
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