Around 3 a.m. to dawn EST Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower will be gracing the skies. The spectacle should be a great a way in starting out the New Year and will be an amazing follow-up to the fireworks shows here and there.
Last year, the moon was so massive and bright that it was extra difficult for onlookers to spot the meteors but this year, it will be much different since it will be two days past last quarter when it rises by 2 a.m.
NASA says that the climax of the shooting stars will last for two hours, relatively shorter than others. The agency says that the show can either be a massive display or a downer but spectators can expect at least 80 meteors per hour.
The North Hemisphere is the best ticket to watch a grandiose Quadrantid meteor shower. People who want to get a good look at the light show should find a spot away from the city lights so as to see clearly the bright fireballs.
To get the best view, NASA advises watchers to do this: "Lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors."
A big challenge to viewing is the winter cold. So NASA recommends that spectators bring sleeping bags and blankets. The agency's ultimate advice is to "be patient" in trying to catch a glimpse of the Quadrantid meteors.
The Quadrantid meteor shower is considered one of the best yearly light shows to catch. If the Earth is lucky and viewing is under perfect conditions, it will be treated with as many as 200 Quadrantid meteors per hour, making the short-lived presentation still extraordinary.
Those who do not want to go out in the cold and instead watch the meteor shower on their laptops can head over to Slooh.com to watch the livestream of the whole event.
