A spectacular display of shooting stars is set to illuminate the night sky this week, as the first meteor shower of the year reaches its peak. The Quadrantid meteor shower, which occurs every year between December and January, will be visible across the country from Thursday night into early Friday morning.
According to NASA scientists, keen-eyed watchers may spot up to 120 shooting stars per hour at their best viewing time. These meteors typically don’t have long tails, but instead may appear as bright ‘fireballs’ in the sky. The Quadrantid meteor shower takes its name from a constellation that no longer exists.
The display will be visible until January 16, with Friday’s show potentially being the most impressive due to the presence of a slim crescent moon, which is only 11% full. To maximize viewing opportunities, residents should head outside in the early predawn hours when the moon is low in the sky and there are minimal sources of light competing for attention.
By following these tips, stargazers can enjoy the Quadrantid meteor shower without needing special equipment. The best time to observe meteors is when the night is cloudless and the moon wanes smallest.
Source: https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/epic-fireballs-light-up-sky-888104