Michigan’s January Sky Dazzles with the Spectacular Quadrantid Meteor Shower

Michigan will usher in the new year with the Quadrantid meteor shower, anticipated to peak in early January.

<

This shower is the first of the new year that should be visible in the night sky of Michigan and will be easy to observe owing to the absence of a full moon.

Here’s what you should understand about the Quadrantid shower:

When is the Quadrantid meteor shower visible?

The Quadrantids are presently active, with visible streaks in the atmosphere from Dec. 26 through Jan. 16, 2025, as reported by the American Meteor Society. The meteor shower is expected to achieve peak activity in early January, lasting a few hours overnight between Jan. 2-3, 2025.

More: When are the full moons of 2025 in Michigan? Here’s what to know

Ideal locations to observe in Michigan are dark sky parks

Michigan boasts six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks, and an international dark sky sanctuary.

Consider visiting Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County, Negwegon State Park in Alcona County, Port Crescent State Park in Huron County, Rockport Recreation Area and Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County, and Wilderness State Park in Emmet County.

Headlands Dark Sky Park in Emmet County, Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County are recognized as international locations. Finally, the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area serves as an international sanctuary.

How to observe the Quadrantids in Michigan

The Quadrantids are most effectively observed at night and pre-dawn, per NASA. Clear skies are crucial for optimal viewing, so monitor the weather as the peak of the meteor shower approaches.

The Quadrantids derive their name from the constellation Quadrans Muralis because the meteors appear to radiate — or emerge from — that particular region of the sky, according to NASA. However, NASA recommends that stargazers also check other areas for the best views. The Quadrantids should be observable across the entire night sky.

What actions should I take to guarantee I see the meteors?

Here are some general viewing suggestions from the space organization:

• Locate an area far from street lights and urban light pollution.
• Prepare for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.
• Recline on your back with your feet oriented towards the northeast and gaze upward, taking in as much of the sky as possible.

What generates the Quadrantid meteor shower?

Meteor showers happen when Earth traverses through dusty debris trails left behind by celestial objects orbiting the sun. While most meteor showers stem from comets, the Quadrantids are associated with an asteroid.

The debris — minuscule rocks referred to as meteoroids — impact Earth’s atmosphere at high velocities and disintegrate, producing bright and vibrant streaks in the sky, as explained by NASA.

The resulting fireballs, commonly known as “shooting stars,” are meteors. If meteoroids survive their descent to Earth without incinerating in the atmosphere, they are termed meteorites, according to NASA.

The fragments of cosmic debris that interact with our atmosphere to produce the Leonids originate from Asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This small asteroid bears the name of a character in Greek mythology who drove the chariot of the Sun god Helios, due to the asteroid’s proximity to the Sun, according to NASA.

More: Michigan offers popular winter activities. Here’s where to find them

When will the forthcoming meteor shower occur?

If you’re unable to observe the Quadrantids, there’s no need for concern. Another opportunity to see meteors will arise in spring.

Anticipate the Lyrid meteor shower in late April. The Lyrids are expected to peak on April 21-22, 2025, according to the American Meteor Society.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.