The Quadrantid meteor shower is set to reach its peak activity on January 4-5, 2025, offering stargazers a chance to witness one of the year’s best displays. However, astronomers warn that the short duration and winter conditions might limit visibility.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through dusty debris trails left by comets and other space objects as they orbit the sun. The Quadrantid meteor shower is unique in that it originates from an asteroid instead of a comet. The origin was discovered in 2003, and astronomers believe it’s a dead comet turned into a rock.
The best time to catch the Quadrantid meteors will be in the predawn hours on January 4-5, with stargazers expecting to see around 60 to 200 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. To enhance viewing, experts recommend finding an area away from street lights and light pollution, lying flat on your back, and waiting for about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt.
While the Quadrantid meteor shower has the potential to be one of the year’s best, astronomers lament that it often falls short due to its short maximum activity period. Nevertheless, stargazers are in for a treat with bright fireballs and the possibility of seeing multiple meteors per hour.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/01/02/quadrantid-meteor-shower-2025/77397083007