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The Quadrantids meteor shower is reaching its peak this week, and observers may witness hundreds of shooting stars and fireballs in the early hours of the morning.
Tornado in Mississippi
Eyewitness footage shows clouds forming into a wedge-shaped tornado near the Loyd Star Attendance Center in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Reuters
Fireworks are a celebrated New Year’s Eve custom, illuminating the night sky as the new year begins, but the cosmos has its own spectacular display of flames.
The Quadrantids meteor shower is currently underway, and its peak, when it can generate up to 200 shooting stars per hour, is fast approaching.
As per the American Meteor Society, this meteor shower commenced on Dec. 26 and can be observed until Jan. 16, 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this astronomical occurrence.
What is the source of the name Quadrantids?
The Quadrantids drew their name from a constellation that is no longer recognized as such. According to timeanddate.com, the shower was named after the Quadrans Muralis constellation, from which the meteors appear to emanate.
In 1922, this constellation was omitted from a catalog of recognized constellations by the International Astronomical Union. Nevertheless, the name Quadrantids has continued to be used.
What is the origin of these meteors?
According to NASA, meteors are fragments of comets and shattered asteroids that leave a trail of dust around their orbits. When Earth traverses these trails, some particles impact the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in fiery streaks across the sky.
The meteors from the Quadrantids originated from Asteroid 2003 EH1, which is a small asteroid approximately 2 miles in diameter. It takes this asteroid about 5.52 years to complete an orbit around the Sun.
When will the Quadrantids reach their peak?
The Quadrantids peak annually in early January. In 2025, it will reach its peak in the early morning hours of Jan. 3. Most meteor showers have a peak that lasts about two days. However, according to NASA, due to the thin nature of the Asteroid 2003 EH1 trail and Earth’s perpendicular passage through it, the Quadrantids peak only endures for a few hours.
While the peak is brief, it can be quite vigorous. Under optimal conditions, as many as 60-200 meteors may be visible each hour, and some can be extraordinarily bright. The Quadrantids are particularly noted for producing fireballs, which are more luminous than average meteors due to their larger particles causing more significant bursts of light and color.
Where should I direct my gaze for shooting stars?
The meteors seem to emanate from the region between the constellations Bootes and Draco in the northeastern sky. At midnight, it will appear low on the horizon, climbing to 66.4 degrees by 7 a.m.
Although that is where the meteors seem to radiate from, they can be observed anywhere across the night sky. Thus, try to find a location that allows for a clear view of as much sky as possible.
Will moonlight obstruct viewing the Quadrantids peak?
No, it will not. As per timeanddate.com, the moon sets in Jackson at 8:06 p.m. on Jan. 2 and will not rise again until 9:56 a.m. on Jan. 3.
How can I observe the Quadrantids?
Here are some recommendations from NASA on how to appreciate this celestial display.
- Select a location far from artificial lights.
- Prepare for chilly weather with a sleeping bag or blankets.
- Lie on your back with your feet facing northeast and gaze upward.
- Allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness for less than 30 minutes to start seeing meteors.
Have a story suggestion? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or [email protected].
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