The first meteor shower of 2025 is underway, with the Quadrantid meteor shower peak happening this week. NASA says the Quadrantid meteor shower is unique due to its brief six-hour peak and origin from an asteroid. The best viewing conditions are expected early Friday morning.
This year’s peak happens between 15:00 and 18:00 UTC (10 a.m. and 1 p.m. EST), favoring viewers in Hawaii and Alaska. A recent new Moon with only 11% illumination will help reduce moonlight interference. However, cloud cover will likely hinder stargazing in many parts of the US due to active winter weather.
Despite these challenges, astronomers expect to see up to 200 meteors under perfect conditions. The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on Friday, and continues through mid-January with an average of 25 meteors per hour possible under good conditions.
Source: https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/quadrantids-first-meteor-shower-2025