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Each January, the Quadrantid meteor shower offers one of the most striking annual meteor displays, characterized by a brief but intense peak lasting merely a few hours. Consequently, numerous stargazing guides describe this event as particularly tricky to observe. However, in 2025, viewing conditions seem to favor North Americans, especially those residing west of the Mississippi.
The meteors originate from the northeastern section of the Boötes constellation, known as the Herdsman, leading to the expectation that they might be called “Boötids.” Yet, in the late 18th century, a different constellation existed there named Quadrans Muralis, or the “Mural or Wall Quadrant” (a type of astronomical tool). This outdated star formation, created in 1795 by J.J. Lalande, was established to honor the instrument he used to observe the stars in his catalogue. In the 1830s, Adolphe Quetelet of Brussels Observatory identified this shower, which quickly caught the attention of various astronomers in Europe and America.
Thus, they were named the “Quadrantids,” and although the constellation from which these meteors seem to emanate no longer exists, the original name of the shower persists to this day.
Remnants of a formerly existing comet
At peak activity, observers should see 60 to 120 meteors each hour during the 2025 Quadrantid meteor shower.
However, the Quadrantid surge sharply peaks: six hours before and after the maximum, these blue meteors are visible at only half their highest rates. This indicates that the stream of particles is narrow — potentially derived relatively recently from a small comet.
In fact, in 2003, astronomer Peter Jenniskens of NASA discovered a near-Earth asteroid (2003 EH1) that appeared to be on the correct trajectory to produce the Quadrantids. Some astronomers believe that this asteroid is actually a remnant of an ancient, “extinct” comet; possibly one that was documented by Chinese, Korean, and Japanese observers during 1490-91. It is possible that this comet broke apart, causing some fragments to become the meteoroids forming the Quadrantid stream.
When and where to observe
In 2025, a moderately vigorous display of Quadrantid meteors is anticipated for North America, especially across the western half of the continent. As detailed by Margaret Campbell-Brown and Peter Brown in the 2025 edition of the Observer’s Handbook of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, maximum activity is expected around 10 a.m. Eastern Time or 7 a.m. Pacific Time (1500 GMT). Just prior to dawn, the radiant of this shower — from where the meteors seem to emerge — will ascend the dark northeastern sky.
This is also the moment when the dawn side of the Earth is moving into our 18.5-mile (30 km) per second trajectory around the sun. This additional speed also indicates that our upper atmosphere intercepts more meteors and impacts them with greater force, thus causing them to shine more brightly, in contrast to when meteors approach from behind during the evening.
Individuals residing in the eastern half of North America will observe the “Quads” increasing in visibility before the bright twilight and sunrise disturb the view, potentially witnessing 20 to 40 meteors per hour. For those situated in the western half of North America, meteor rates may be even higher, possibly nearing the maximum rates of 60 to 120 per hour.
With no moonlight to disrupt the view, this event could emerge as one of the most remarkable meteor displays of the year.
But remember to dress warmly!
Lastly — while we have touched upon this point previously, it certainly warrants reiteration: Your local weather is likely more suited for a hot bath rather than for viewing a meteor shower. Indeed, during this season, watching meteors can be a lengthy, chilly affair. You’ll find yourself waiting patiently for meteors to manifest. If they don’t appear quickly, and you’re feeling cold and uncomfortable, your interest in spotting meteors will wane!
Therefore, ensure you are warm and at ease. A warm cup of cocoa or coffee may help alleviate the chill and provide a mild energizing effect. It’s even more enjoyable if you can watch with companions. This way, you can cover a larger expanse of the sky.
So bundle up, best of luck, and relish this meteor display!
If you’re keen on attempting to capture photos of the Quadrantids or any other meteor shower, glance at our guide on shooting meteors and meteor showers. And if you require new photography equipment, consider our recommendations for the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Joe Rao serves as an educator and guest lecturer at New York’s Hayden Planetarium. He contributes writings about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmers’ Almanac, and other publications.
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