This webpage was generated automatically; to view the article in its original form, you may follow the link below:
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/california/2024/12/27/when-is-the-meteor-shower-planetary-alignment-in-2025-california/77258964007/
and if you wish to have this article removed from our website, kindly reach out to us
Study indicates NASA asteroid test may generate a human-made meteor shower
A recent study proposes that NASA’s deliberate collision with the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos might result in a meteor shower lasting a century.
If you’re a sky watcher, prepare for an exciting start to 2025 – featuring not just one, but a pair of events during the first month of the year.
A Quadrantid meteor shower is anticipated at the start of January, followed by a “parade of planets” later in the month.
Quadrantid meteors are remnants from a specific asteroid — an inactive one — known as 2003 EH1, as reported by Earthsky.org. This site also mentions that the Quadrantid shower occurs around the same time annually, with three additional showers to follow.
“The Quadrantid shower is among four principal meteor showers every year featuring a sharp peak (the other three include the Lyrids, Leonids, and Ursids),” states Earthsky.org.
Regarding the parade of planets, this is when six planets align in the evening sky.
Here is additional information about these celestial events.
What is a Quadrantid meteor shower?
The Quadrantids, peaking in early January each year, are regarded as “one of the finest annual meteor showers,” according to NASA. “Most meteor showers exhibit a two-day peak, enhancing the chances of observing these meteors.”
The meteor shower originates from an asteroid named 2003 EH1.
“It is thought to be a dormant or extinguished comet,” says Earthsky.org. “The asteroid takes 5.5 years to orbit the sun. Its closest approach to the sun (perihelion) is 1.2 astronomical units.”
When is the forthcoming Quadrantid meteor shower in California?
It will be observable during the evenings of Jan. 2 and Jan. 3. The optimal moment for viewing will be around 4 a.m. This meteor shower continues for six hours, and predicting the number of meteors per hour will be challenging.
What is the origin of a Quadrantid meteor shower?
“The primary source generating the Quadrantids is an asteroid referred to as 2003 EH1. It is believed to be a dormant or vanished comet,” notes Earthsky.org. “The asteroid takes 5.5 years to complete an orbit around the sun. Its nearest point to the sun (perihelion) is 1.2 astronomical units.”
What constitutes a parade of planets?
As stated by Star Walk, a planetary parade refers to “a significant celestial occurrence where several planets in our solar system appear to be in close proximity within the night sky, viewable simultaneously from Earth, creating the illusion of alignment resembling a ‘parade’ traversing the firmament.”
When will the planetary parade be observable in California?
Per the Farmer’s Almanac, it is set to commence after dusk on January 10. The celestial bodies participating in the parade consist of Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, and Saturn, alongside the moon positioned right in the center of the arrangement.
NASA highlighted that the optimal time for viewing the parade will be on January 21, noting that observers can witness the planets on all nights leading up to this peak moment. It will remain visible for several nights following the peak as well.
You won’t need to wait long for all six planets to grace the sky, as reported by CNET.com. They will appear immediately after sunset. Once it becomes dark, you’ll only have a few hours to appreciate them before Venus, Saturn, and Neptune set below the horizon in the evening in California.
Is it possible to see the meteor shower and planetary parade without aid?
According to NASA, both occurrences can indeed be witnessed with the naked eye, but it advises on its site, “Seek a location far removed from urban areas or street illumination. Prepare for cold weather conditions with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet oriented toward the Northeast and gaze upward, taking in as much of the expanse as you can.”
What are the finest locations for stargazing in California?
Locate the darkest sky attainable, away from urban light, to fully enjoy the shooting star spectacle.
The National Parks Conservation Association has recognized Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks in Southern California as Certified Dark-Sky Parks.
Additionally, Dark Sky International also recommends Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs, and Julian as prime spots for enjoying the meteor light displays.
In Central California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park are excellent choices for witnessing celestial light shows.
Shasta, Siskiyou, and various northern counties provide exceptional spots for observing the night sky. On the North State coast, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is also a top location for night sky observations.
When will meteor showers occur in 2025?
- Lyrid meteor shower: April 21–22, 2025
- Eta Aquariid meteor shower: May 4–5, 2025
- Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower: July 29–30, 2025
- Alpha Capricornid meteor shower: July 30–31, 2025
- Perseid meteor shower: July 17–24, 2025
- Draconids meteor shower: October 8, 2025
This page was generated automatically; to read the article in its original source, please visit the link below:
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/california/2024/12/27/when-is-the-meteor-shower-planetary-alignment-in-2025-california/77258964007/
and if you wish to remove this article from our site, kindly contact us.
