2020 Meteor Shower In Illinois Is Worth Staying Up Late For

Get ready for the 2020 meteor shower in Illinois. Find a remote place for viewing and be sure to bundle up before heading out to view one of the best shows the sky will put on all year long. Scroll on for more details:

The first meteor shower of the year that you’ll be able to see in Illinois will take place in the early morning hours of January 4, 2020.

flickr/Josh Beasley

You’ll either want to stay up late the night before or set an alarm for about 2 a.m. to see the Quadrantid meteor shower, which is predicted to take place between a span of just about six hours.

flickr/Donovan Shortey

As long as it is a clear night, those who turn their eyes to the skies can expect an excellent show. Even the moon will have set by the time the 2020 meteor shower begins.

flickr/David DeHetre

There are expected to be between 50 and 100 meteors per hour during this phenomenal event, which, like most meteor showers, is named for an old constellation.

flickr/NASA Hubble

Illinoisans are lucky to be in the northern hemisphere where this astronomical event will be most visible. While meteors are likely to fill the sky, you’re best chances of seeing them will be to find the Big Dipper and set your sights just above the handle.

Wikipedia/EarthSky Communications, Inc.

Unlike most, this 2020 meteor shower originated from an asteroid rather than a comet. These meteors were first documented in 1825.

Wikimedia Commons/NASA_JPL-Caltech

The best place to see the show is someplace remote, either by a lake, along a back road, or even in your own backyard if you don’t experience light pollution there.

flickr/anax44

For more like this, check out these eight space-themed attractions in Illinois that will take you to the stars.