Sure, we’re familiar with fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but what if we told you that you could also watch up to 200 meteors race across the sky just days after ringing in 2025? Yup, the 2025 Quadrantids Meteor Shower is set to dazzle skywatchers in early January, and, considering NASA refers to it as “one of the best annual meteor showers,” you won’t want to miss it!
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming meteor shower:
What is the Quadrantids Meteor Shower?
The Quadrantids are one of the best meteor showers of the year, according to NASA. Science Alert also writes that the shower is “one of the most intense meteor showers to grace our skies per year.” They occur every January and originate from the asteroid 2003 EH1.
Quadrantids are also known for their bright fireball meteors, which are larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. Under good conditions you can see as many as 200 Quadrantid meteors per hour!
When can I see the Quadrantids Meteor Shower?
Technically, the Quadrantids Meteor Shower occurs December 28th, 2024 through January 12th, 2025, though the shower’s peak is much shorter.
When will the Quadrantids Meteor Shower peak?
The Quadrantids Meteor Shower is expected to peak overnight from Thursday, January 2nd, through Friday, January 3rd–more specifically around 12:45 am EST.
How long with the Quadrantids Meteor Shower last?
Unlike most meteor showers that peak for two days, the Quadrantids Meteor Shower has a much shorter peak than other meteor showers, lasting for just six hours before its intensity rapidly drops off.
How often do Quadrantids Meteor Shower appear?
The Quadrantids appear annually, peaking during early-January each year.
How is the the Quadrantids Meteor Shower different from others?
According to NASA, what sets the Quadrantids Meteor Shower apart from other meteor showers is that while most meteor showers have a two-day peak, the Quadrantids peak for only a few hours–this is due to the shower’s thin stream of particles.
Where can I see the Quadrantids Meteor Shower?
The Quadrantids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the night and predawn hours.
What’s the best way to view the Quadrantids Meteor Shower?
To get the best view of the spectacle, you’ll want to get as far from city lights as possible–unfortunately that’s a hard task in NYC. But for those under dark skies, you have the best chance of seeing the shower from late Friday night through dawn on Saturday. NASA suggests doing the following:
- Lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible
- Give your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark
- Be patient–the show lasts until dawn so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse
If you do find yourself stuck in NYC during the meteor shower, however, we suggest heading to one of the city’s many beaches or parks.