Stargazers, Quadrantids Meteor Shower to peak soon, check when to catch it

For stargazers, 2023 is set to start with a bang! Literally. They should get ready for an astounding view of the sky because the first meteor shower of 2023 is about to adorn the night skies. The Quadrantids meteor shower, which peaks in early-January each year, is on its way. Generally, meteor showers have a two-day peak, which makes it easier for skywatchers to catch sight of them. However, the peak of the Quadrantids meteor shower is much shorter, to be specific, just a few hours. Hence, it makes it even more important to note all key details of this upcoming meteor shower to not miss this rare event.

Meteor Shower is a celestial event in which multiple meteors are seen radiating light as they move across the sky as they enter the atmosphere and burn up. As they move, they shed small particles and it glows with a tail-like effect. In the case of Quadrantids meteor shower, the peak time is so short because of the shower's thin stream of particles. Also, Earth crosses the stream at a perpendicular angle. Hence, during its peak, only 60 to as many as 200 Quadrantid meteors can be seen by skywatchers, that too under perfect conditions.

When to watch Quadrantids meteor shower peak

It must be noted that the Quadrantids meteor shower is already active for around three weeks starting the last week of December to the second week of January 2023. However, the peak period will occur on January 3-4, TimeandTable.com noted. To be specific, the predicted peak time is 10:00 p.m. EST, or 3 UTC on January 4th.

How to watch the Quadrantids meteor shower

Just like other meteor showers, the best view of the Quadrantids is to be observed under a dark sky while being away from any city lights. Plus, you don't need any special equipment. NASA has informed that the Quadrantids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere at latitudes north of 51 degrees south during the night and predawn hours.

Do you know?

This Quadrantid Meteor Shower is different! Unlike many other meteor showers which originate from comets, it comes from an asteroid named 2003 EH1. However, there is a possibility that 2003 EH is a "dead comet" or a "rock comet." It is a small asteroid that measures just two miles (three kilometers) across.