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The initial meteor shower of the year, the Quadrantids, reaches its peak tonight, Jan. 2, and on Jan. 3 as reported by NASA.
NASA described the Quadrantids, which peak in early January annually, as “one of the finest annual meteor showers.”
“Most meteor showers exhibit a peak lasting two days, making the chance to view these other meteor showers considerably higher.”
Here’s essential information regarding the event, along with the dates and titles of additional yearly meteor showers.
What are the Quadrantids?
The Quadrantids are an annual meteor shower that, unlike the majority of meteor showers that derive from comets, comes from an asteroid: asteroid 2003 EHi.
“It is considered to be a dormant or extinct comet,” according to Earthsky.org. “The asteroid takes 5.5 years to orbit the sun. Its closest proximity to the sun (perihelion) stands at 1.2 astronomical units.”
“The Quadrantid shower is one of four prominent meteor showers each year that has a sharp peak (the other three being the Lyrids, Leonids, and Ursids),” Earthsky.org asserts.
NASA indicates that the Quadrantid meteor shower typically produces around 20-30 meteors per hour in clear, dark night skies during its peak.
When will more meteor showers occur in 2025?
As per the Time and Date website, other meteor showers anticipated in 2025 comprise:
- Lyrid meteor shower: April 21–22
- Eta Aquariid meteor shower: May 4–5
- Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower: July 29–30
- Alpha Capricornid meteor shower: July 30–31
- Perseid meteor shower: Aug. 12-13
- Draconids meteor shower: Oct. 8
Can the Quadrantids be observed with the naked eye?
You can most likely view meteors during the Quadrantid meteor shower with the unaided eye if conditions are favorable. NASA recommends “Seek a location far from the bright city or street lighting. Be prepared for winter conditions with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Recline comfortably on your back with your feet directed toward the Northeast and gaze upwards, absorbing as much of the sky as possible.”
However, for those located in Western North Carolina, weather conditions may not be optimal for observing the meteor showers due to rain and severe wind chill during the event.
Seth Jacobson, USA TODAY Network, contributed.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can reach her at [email protected].
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