How to Watch the Quadrantids: The First Meteor Shower of 2025! 🌠
Hey stargazers! Are you ready to kick off 2025 with a bang? The Quadrantid meteor shower is here, and it’s the first chance to see shooting stars this year! 🌟
What Are the Quadrantids?
The Quadrantids are a meteor shower that happens every January. When Earth orbits the sun, it passes through bits of debris left behind by a space rock called asteroid 2003 EH1. When these tiny pieces enter our atmosphere, they burn up and create bright streaks in the sky known as meteors or “shooting stars.”
Why Are They Special?
Unlike other meteor showers, the Quadrantids can produce bright fireballs! 🔥 These are extra-bright meteors that can light up the sky. Plus, you might see up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak! That’s a lot of wishes to make upon shooting stars. 😊
When and How to Watch
The Quadrantids peak on Friday night, and the viewing lasts until January 16th. The best time to watch is during the early pre-dawn hours when the sky is darkest. Here’s how to get the best view:
- Find a spot away from city lights. The darker, the better!
- Look up at the sky—no telescope or special equipment needed.
- Avoid checking your phone; it can make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
- Be patient! It might take a little time before you start seeing meteors.
Fun Fact!
The Quadrantids are named after a constellation that doesn’t exist anymore! Most meteor showers are named after the constellation where they seem to come from, but the Quadrantids’ constellation was removed from star maps. How mysterious! 🌌
What’s Next?
If you miss the Quadrantids, don’t worry! The next meteor shower is the Lyrids, which peaks in mid-April. So mark your calendars for more starry adventures. 🗓️
Enjoy the show, and happy stargazing! 🌠
Reference(s):
How to catch the Quadrantids, the first meteor shower of 2025
cgtn.com
