Quadrantid Meteor Shower to Light Up the Skies This Weekend in JAN 2025

The new year is off to a spectacular start with the highly anticipated Quadrantid meteor shower. This celestial event, known for its bright fireballs, will reach its peak activity on the night of January 3rd and into the early morning hours of January 4th.

What are the quadrants?

The Quadrantids are one of the strongest annual meteor showers, capable of producing up to 80 meteors per hour at their peak. Unlike many other meteor showers that originate from comets, the Quadrantids are believed to be associated with a near-Earth asteroid named 2003 EH1.

When and Where to Watch:

The best time to view the Quadrantids is in the pre-dawn hours, just before sunrise. Find a dark location away from city lights for optimal viewing conditions. While the shower is visible from both hemispheres, it’s generally more prominent in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tips for Meteor Shower Viewing:

Find a dark location: The darker the sky, the more meteors you’ll be able to see.
Get comfortable: Bring a reclining chair or blanket to lie down and observe the sky comfortably.
Be patient. It may take some time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Dress warmly. Even in mild climates, temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Why are the quadrantids special?

The quadrantids are unique in several ways:

Short Peak: Unlike many meteor showers that have a peak lasting a day or two, the Quadrantids have a very short peak, lasting only a few hours.
Bright Fireballs: These meteors are known for their brightness, with many appearing as fireballs streaking across the sky.
Mysterious Origin: The exact origin of the Quadrantids is still a subject of debate among astronomers.

Don’t miss this celestial spectacle!

The Quadrantid meteor shower is a fantastic opportunity for stargazers of all ages to witness the wonders of the universe. So bundle up, find a dark spot, and prepare to be amazed by this dazzling display of celestial fireworks!

Disclaimer: Viewing conditions can vary depending on weather and local light pollution.

The best seat at the show

Brought to you by Dubai Astronomy Group, this viewing event is the way to go if you’re looking to have the best possible experience.

The event will be hosted in the Al Qudra Desert in Dubai, away from the lights and pollution of the city, where you will be able to participate in guided observation sessions with several telescopes provided, informative talks on the Quadrantid meteor shower and Arabian astronomy, a sky mapping session, and learning how to capture celestial events on your phone.

The event begins at 11pm and ends at 3am. Tickets are priced at Dhs120 for children under 13 and Dhs150 for adults.

The availability is limited, so register on althurayaastronomycenter.ae to reserve your spot. Complimentary hot beverages and snacks are included.

Head to the link to find out all the details, and remember to dress warm and carry your Emirates ID.

Quadrantids Meteor Shower, Al Qudra Desert, Jan 3, 11pm to 3am, tickets for children Dhs120, tickets for adults Dhs150, althurayaastronomycenter.ae

The quadrantids can streak anytime in the interval of mid-November through mid-January; a peak is on the horizon. This meteor shower is known as one of four major meteor showers seen each year known to have a sharp peak; the others include Ursids, Leonids, and Lyrids.

The quadrantids are caused by debris from asteroid 2003 EH1 and are said to take more than five years to complete one solo orbit around the sun. Since the fireball meteors originate from larger debris pieces, it is known for producing brighter and, at times, more colorful shows.

When lined up under a dark night sky as predicted, the quadrantids can briefly bring over 100-120 meteors per hour, according to NASA.

The good news is that this meteor shower will not be overshadowed by the moonlight since the moon will set before peak.

Tags: Up to 80 Meteors Per Hour Expected