It is not only fireworks that mark the beginning of a new year, but also a meteor shower.
This weekend keep an eye out for the Quadrantids, which – for those willing to brave the cold and fight sleep during the late night hours – are known to put on a fiery display every January.
Read on to learn how to get the most out of it – and get the start of 2021 great.
What are the quadrantides?
The Quadrantides start each new year with an astonishing celestial display. It is one of the best annual meteor showers, according to NASA. It is known for firing bright fireballs. Unlike the rapid flash of an average meteor streak, these sweltering fireballs produce larger bursts of light and color that last longer.
The difference between the Quadrantids and most other meteor showers lies in the fact that the Quadrantids arise from the debris of an asteroid, a bare space rock. The particles burn brightly as they disintegrate and burn in Earth’s atmosphere. Most meteor showers come from the smaller dust of a comet, which, according to Business Insider, is itself a ball of ice and stone.
Every January, our planet encounters the path of asteroid 2003 EH1 and orbits right through its debris. As the name suggests, the asteroid was discovered in 2003 and measures about 2 miles in diameter. It takes about 5½ years to orbit the sun – a slower speed than Earth needs to do the same – and could be a “dead comet” or, according to NASA, a new “rock comet” object that astronomers are talking about.
What time does the Quadrantid meteor shower occur and when does it peak?
Although active between December 28 and January 12, the Quadrantids peak each year in early January. Unlike other meteor showers – the peaks of which can last for two days – the Quadrantids have a much narrower peak window of about six hours. The reason: the asteroid leaves only a thin stream of debris in its wake, hitting the planet at a perpendicular angle.
In 2021, the Quadrantids will peak at night on Saturday until the early morning hours of Sunday 2 to 3 January. When conditions are perfect, the peak can display between 60 and 200 meteors per hour. But there is one big caveat: The waning moon will be about 84 percent full, according to the International Meteor Organization – meaning the light can surpass about half of the meteors.
How can I view the Quadrantids?
First, this is early January, bundle up before heading out – and bring a sleeping bag, blanket, or recliner. Then go as far away from light pollution as possible.
You want to lie flat on your back – or as close to you as possible – and look up. It is best to point your feet to the northeast. And now that the moon is so bright, find a place where you can keep it out of your sight in an effort to minimize its glare.
You will also need to set aside a good deal of time for viewing, as your eyes need 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
When is the next meteor shower in 2021?
The Lyrids are next on the meteor shower calendar, which will remain active between April 14 and April 30. If the Quadrantids eventually turn into a dud, it might be beneficial to wait a few months. The Lyrids will peak between April 21 and 22, when the weather in the Northern Hemisphere will improve and the moon will be about 68 percent full.