Whether you’re an avid stargazer or a casual observer, the first meteor shower of 2020 is worth getting up early for. Witness tons of meteors during this annual cosmic event – more than usual, even. North Dakota will be easily able to view it if the weather is right, so set your alarms on January 4th and prepare for a visual display that you’ll never forget.

North Dakota is the perfect state for watching a meteor shower, with wide-open skies and low light pollution. The Quadrantid meteor shower will be the first one for 2020, and you’ll definitely want to wake up and see it.

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In the early pre-dawn hours of January 4th, around 4:00 AM, this shower will peak. This time it is expected to have an immense amount of meteors, possibly between 60-100 meteors in the peak hour alone.

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Though the moon will be mostly full that day, it will be on the opposite side of the horizon and shouldn’t get in the way of your viewing experience. Look towards the northeast at the Big Dipper constellation for the best chance at seeing the meteors.

EarthSky/Wikimedia Commons

The Quadrantids are known for being fireball meteors, meaning they streak across the sky in a very bright and colorful blaze that lasts longer than other meteors. They are often bright blue in color but can vary.

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To get the optimal show, you’ll want to set your alarm early enough that you can go somewhere dark - which usually isn’t very hard in North Dakota - and let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20-30 minutes. If you time it right and the sky is clear, you’ll see tons of meteors and it’ll quickly become worth waking up for.

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Are you planning on getting up to watch the Quadrantid meteor shower in 2020? If you’re looking for cool places to stargaze, you could camp overnight at these winter campgrounds in North Dakota that will make the experience even cooler.

Tom Lee/Flickr

Josh Beasley/Flickr

EarthSky/Wikimedia Commons

Donovan Shortey/Flickr

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