The Quadrantids usher in the new year this week, peaking in the night skies on Friday, January 3. As the first meteor shower of the year, astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat.
The Quadrantids will peak this week under a First Quarter Moon when the Earth crosses paths with the dusty orbit of Asteroid 2003 EH1.
The meteor shower is active each year from around the end of December and into the second week of January.
But the Quadrantids peak in intensity on one night and one night only, scattering dozens of meteors across the night skies.
This year, astronomers at the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London expect up to 60 meters to zip by every hour.
READ MORE
-
NASA readies HabEx telescope in search for ‘second Earth’
When is the Quadrantid meteor shower 2020?
Despite being active for about two weeks, the Quadrantid shower only produces individual meteors before the peak.
Then on the night of the peak, Earth flies through the densest part of Asteroid 2003 EH1’s orbit.
This year, the meteor shower will peak on the night of January 3 to January 4.
According to the Royal Observatory, the Quadrantids are known for a sharp peak.
In past years, the shower has produced anywhere between 50 and 100 shooting stars an hour.
What is the best time to see the Quadrantid meteor shower?
Hunting for meteors often boils down to a bit of luck, patience and location hunting.
You want to find a safe location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Meteor showers are best seen after midnight and before dawn when the skies are at their darkest.
According to the International Meteor Organisation, the shower will peak around 8am GMT on January 4.
Maritime astronomer Bruce McClure of EarthSky.org also warned the shower tends to have a narrow peak of just a few hours.
But you will need to factor in other elements such as light pollution and weather.
DON’T MISS
NASA’s Best of 2019 discoveries revealed [INSIGHT]
Nostradamus predictions for 2020: War, impeachment, tsunami [INSIGHT]
Six predictions for 2019 that came TRUE before 2020 [ANALYSIS]
READ MORE
- 2019 – a year in pictures: A look back at the biggest news stories
Where to best see the Quadrantid meteor shower?
For the best chance of spotting a shooting star this week, stay on the lookout for dark and secured sports far from sources of light.
The Royal Observatory said: “For the best conditions, you want to find a safe location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution.
“The meteors can be seen in all parts of the sky, so it’s good to be in a wide-open space where you can scan the night sky with your eyes.”
If you chose to watch the meteors outdoors, remember to give your eyes up to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Also, remember to dress appropriately for the weather and check your local forecast for clouds and rain.
For a few hours, the meteor shower will appear to radiate from a point near the Constellation Boötes, close to the Big Dipper.
But the good news is meteors tend to fire off in all directions imaginable, meaning you will not have to locate their radiant point.
Meteors are also too fast to track with telescopes or binoculars so simply rely on your two eyes this Friday.
Source: Read Full Article