Keep your eyes on the sky, Maryland! The Quadrantid meteor shower will be casting a spectacular light show over the Old Line State in the beginning of January and it’s a great way to kick off the new year. Bundle up, head outside where there’s little light pollution, and keep your eyes peeled. Read on for more information so that you’ll be informed and ready for this surreal sight in 2020.
The Quadrantid meteor shower is an annual phenomenon that may not be as well known as other meteor showers, but is worth seeing.
Flickr / NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center
So what makes the Quadrantid meteor shower worth seeing compared to other meteor showers? Quadrantids are known as fireball meteors, which means they are much brighter than other meteors, and their color lasts much longer.
Flickr / Jeff Sullivan
This makes for great sights from the ground, and makes for fantastic photo ops.
Getty Images / Daniel Pludowski / EyeEm
No fancy binoculars or telescopes are needed. Just look for the Big Dipper on the night of January 3rd-4th, and you’ll soon see streaks of light flying nearby.
Wikimedia / EarthSky Communications, Inc.
Peak viewing is expected to be around 3am, where you could see 60-100 meteors per hour.
Flickr / Tom Lee
You could see the light show from home, but for the best views, consider heading someplace where there is little light pollution. Imagine camping out under the stars while THIS is going on above you!
Flickr / Jeff Sullivan
Check out the link below for more information on this must-see event, and enjoy!
Flickr / Tom Lee
For more information on this year’s Quadrantid meteor shower, click here. What a memorable way to start the new year!
Flickr / NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center
Flickr / Jeff Sullivan
Getty Images / Daniel Pludowski / EyeEm
Wikimedia / EarthSky Communications, Inc.
Flickr / Tom Lee
For more marvels around the state, check out these 10 Maryland state parks worthy of a winter adventure.
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