We’re about to enter a new decade, and what better way to welcome it than with an explosive meteor shower? The Quadrantids are set to light up the Arizona night sky on January 3-4, 2020, and it’s one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year.
Quadrans Muralis, the shower’s namesake, was a large constellation first recognized in 1795.
Wikipedia / Library of Congress, Digital ID: cph.3g10076 It has since been omitted after the International Astronomical Union compiled an official constellation list.
Despite its discontinuation, Quadrans Muralis is still the namesake of the Quadrantid meteor shower.
Flickr/wakanmuri Occurring in early January, it’s the first major celestial event of the year.
Peaking in the overnight hours of January 3, the shower boasts up to 120 meteors per hour.
Flickr/l1mey This is a rate comparable to both the Perseids and Geminids, however the Quadrantids have a much narrower viewing window.
Along with the Geminids, the Quadrantids are the only other meteors that don’t originate from a comet.
Flickr/gsfc Instead, they are thought to be caused by an asteroid called 2003 EH, which takes about 5.5 years to orbit the Sun.
We’ll enjoy excellent visibility here in Arizona, so this is a rare opportunity you definitely don’t want to miss.
Flickr/wbakal
No telescopes or binoculars are necessary to view the Geminids.
Flickr/Michael Villavicencio Instead, find a remote spot away from city lights, lay on the ground, and enjoy a panoramic view of the expansive night sky.
Can you imagine a better start to the new decade? We certainly can’t.
Flickr/dshortney
You can click here to learn more about optimal viewing locations and exactly what to expect from the event.
Wikipedia / Library of Congress, Digital ID: cph.3g10076
It has since been omitted after the International Astronomical Union compiled an official constellation list.
Flickr/wakanmuri
Occurring in early January, it’s the first major celestial event of the year.
Flickr/l1mey
This is a rate comparable to both the Perseids and Geminids, however the Quadrantids have a much narrower viewing window.
Flickr/gsfc
Instead, they are thought to be caused by an asteroid called 2003 EH, which takes about 5.5 years to orbit the Sun.
Flickr/wbakal
Flickr/Michael Villavicencio
Instead, find a remote spot away from city lights, lay on the ground, and enjoy a panoramic view of the expansive night sky.
Flickr/dshortney
Have you ever seen the Quadrantid meteor shower? If so, did you catch it in time to witness the incredible peak? Tell us all about it in the comments.
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Address: Arizona, USA
