Last week we were treated to a wonderful display of shooting stars with the annual Geminid meteor shower, and now we can’t help but look forward to the next one. It turns out that the next big meteor shower will peak soon after the beginning of the New Year, and it’s not to be missed. The annual Quadrantid meteor shower is well-known for producing a large quantity of meteors and this year is looking to boast perfect conditions for viewing them. Start the year off with a bang and plan to catch the very first meteor shower of the new decade!
The Quadrantid meteor shower is always the first major meteor shower of the year, and it’s also one of the most impressive. Typically boasting over 100 meteors per hour during its peak, this shower is not to be missed this year.
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In 2020, the Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak on the evening of January 3 and through the early hours of January 4. However, whereas other meteor showers can peak for up to two days, the Quadrantids notably only peak for a few hours.
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Don’t let the short peak time discourage you from getting out there and viewing the first major meteor shower of the decade. Thanks to the absence of moon in the predawn hours, conditions are expected to be ideal for viewing meteors on the night of January 3.
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Anywhere in the northern hemisphere is considered favorable for viewing the Quadrantids. However, you’ll still want to be sure to get away from any artificial light for the best conditions possible. Find an area far away from the city for viewing this stunning display of meteors—the darker, the better.
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The shower’s peak is predicted to begin around 2:00 a.m. and lasting until a few hours before dawn. Don’t sweat it if you’re not able to stay up that late, though. You’ll still be able to view meteors in the early evening hours. They just won’t be as intense.
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The Quadrantids are definitely a unique meteor shower. In fact, this particular shower was discovered relatively recently when it was officially named in 2003. However, it’s possible that Chinese astronomers first spotted this shower as far back as 1490.
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The first meteor shower of 2020 is looking to be a good one, that’s for sure. Northern California is chock full of excellent stargazing spots so start making plans to view this meteor shower as the peak gets closer.
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Are you excited for the first meteor shower of 2020? We definitely are. Share with us your favorite stargazing spots in Northern California in the comments below.
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