What better way is there to ring in the new year than a meteor shower?
In early January, a truly one-of-a-kind annual meteor shower will kick off the new year with more shooting stars than previous years have seen. The annual Quadrantid meteor shower could produce up to 100 shooting stars per hour during its peak in 2020—and you can view it right here in Ohio. Here’s what you need to know about when this spectacular event will occur and how you can experience it:
First observed in 1825, the Quadrantid meteor shower has an interesting history. The Quadrantids are believed to originate from an asteroid that spun off a comet, according to Space.com.
Kevin Key / Slworking / Moment Collection via Getty Images While most meteor showers come directly from comet fragments, astronomers believe the Quadrantid meteors are from asteroid 2003 EH1. Additionally, the constellation the meteor shower was originally named after, Quadrans Muralis, is no longer included in the International Astronomical Union’s list of modern constellations.
To view the Quadrantid meteor shower, look for the Big Dipper. Face northeast and look up just below the handle of the Big Dipper.
Wikipedia/EarthSky Communications, Inc. This meteor shower can be difficult to spot since its peak time is around 6 hours.
The First Quarter Moon will set just after midnight during the Quadrantid meteor shower, which will be visible between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m on January 3 - 4.
Stephen Rahn/Flickr The meteor shower is predicted to peak around 5 a.m. EST on the morning of Saturday, January 4th.
For optimal viewing, we recommend observing the meteor shower as far away from light pollution as possible. Quiet regions such as the Hocking Hills (pictured) are ideal.
Aaron Shirk/Flickr Be sure to bundle up!
The Quadrantids typically produce up to 40 shooting stars an hour at the peak. In 2020, however, astronomers are predicting that many as 100 meteors an hour could light up the night during the shower’s peak.
Tom Lee/Flickr The blazing, bright blue shooting stars are a stunning sight to behold.
Have you ever viewed the annual Quadrantid meteor shower? What are some of the best places in Ohio to watch it? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!
Kevin Key / Slworking / Moment Collection via Getty Images
While most meteor showers come directly from comet fragments, astronomers believe the Quadrantid meteors are from asteroid 2003 EH1. Additionally, the constellation the meteor shower was originally named after, Quadrans Muralis, is no longer included in the International Astronomical Union’s list of modern constellations.
Wikipedia/EarthSky Communications, Inc.
This meteor shower can be difficult to spot since its peak time is around 6 hours.
Stephen Rahn/Flickr
The meteor shower is predicted to peak around 5 a.m. EST on the morning of Saturday, January 4th.
Aaron Shirk/Flickr
Be sure to bundle up!
Tom Lee/Flickr
The blazing, bright blue shooting stars are a stunning sight to behold.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Ohio, USA
