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WASHINGTON — As the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its peak on Friday, it will offer the first opportunity of the year to witness fireballs in the heavens.
A fading crescent moon promises excellent visibility in dark, clear conditions.
Most meteor displays get their names from the constellations from which they seem to emanate in the night sky. However, the Quadrantids “derive their name from a constellation that no longer exists,” remarked NASA’s William Cooke.
These meteors typically lack long tails, but the leading components can shine as vivid fireballs. The peak could showcase as many as 120 meteors each hour, according to NASA.
The viewing period continues until Jan. 16. Here is what to understand about the Quadrantids and other meteor showers.
As the Earth revolves around the sun, it intersects debris released by passing comets — and occasionally asteroids — multiple times in a year. The Quadrantids originate from fragments of the asteroid 2003 EH1.
When these rapidly moving celestial rocks enter the Earth’s atmosphere, the debris meets new resistance from the air, heating up to extreme temperatures and eventually incinerating.
Occasionally, the air around them glows for a moment, leaving behind a bright tail — the conclusion of a “shooting star.”
No specialized tools are needed to observe the various meteor showers that sparkle annually; simply find a location away from urban illumination.
The optimal time to observe a meteor shower is during the early hours before dawn, while the moon is positioned low in the sky.
Competing light sources — like a bright moon or artificial lighting — pose the principal challenges to a clear sighting of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon is at its smallest offer the best viewing chances.
And remember to keep your gaze upwards, not downwards. Your eyes will adjust better to see shooting stars if you avoid looking at your phone.
The Quadrantids will reach their peak on a night featuring a slim crescent moon, only 11% illuminated.
The subsequent meteor shower, the Lyrids, will peak in mid-April.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Division is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP retains full responsibility for all content.
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