The Year’s First Meteor Shower Is Approaching Its Peak—Expect Up to 120 Shooting Stars Each Hour!

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Stargazing enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting start in 2025.

This Friday morning, the Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak. Unlike many meteor showers that stretch their peaks over several hours, the Quadrantids are notorious for a brief yet spectacular display, typically lasting just a few hours. Under perfect conditions, observers may witness up to 120 meteors per hour, as noted by the American Meteor Society.

Here’s everything you need to know about this celestial event.

What Are the Quadrantids?

The Quadrantids derive their name from a constellation that is no longer recognized, Quadrans Muralis, which was located near Boötes and Draco. Meteor showers are typically named for their point of origin, but the Quadrantids don’t originate from the now-defunct constellation. Instead, their source is an asteroid or the remnant of an “extinct” comet known as 2003 EH1, according to Space.com. As Earth passes through the debris left behind by this object, tiny particles enter our atmosphere at rapid speeds, vaporizing and creating bright streaks—commonly referred to as meteors or shooting stars.

When Are the Quadrantids?

This meteor shower occurs each year from late December into early January. The anticipated peak for this Friday is expected around 1500 GMT, which translates to 10 a.m. EST or 7 a.m. PST.

As the sun will have risen on the East Coast by that time, viewers on the West Coast may enjoy a more impressive display. In the pre-dawn hours, East Coast observers might see around 20 to 40 meteors per hour, while on the West Coast, that number could soar to between 60 and 120 meteors per hour.

A positive aspect for viewers is that the moon will have already set before the peak activity commences, minimizing light interference during the meteor shower, according to EarthSky.org.

How Can I See the Quadrantids?

To catch a glimpse of the Quadrantid meteor shower, observers will need clear skies, so checking the weather forecast is advisable. If conditions are favorable, it’s best to find a dark spot away from city lights. While the meteors may appear to radiate from the Quadrans Muralis constellation, they can actually be seen in any part of the sky.

When Is the Next Meteor Shower?

Following the Quadrantids, the next notable meteor shower will be the Lyrids, which take place annually in April. According to the American Meteor Society, they are expected to peak in April. Although the Lyrids typically produce fewer meteors in comparison to the Quadrantids, they can still be an exciting experience for stargazers, often featuring the elusive fireball.

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