Not only fireworks mark the start of a new year, but also a meteor shower.
This weekend, watch out for the Quadrantids, which, for those who are willing to face the cold and fight sleep during the night hours, are known to feature a fire screen every January.
Keep reading to see how you can get the most out of it and start 2021 with a big bang.
What are Quadrantids?
The Quadrantids kick off every new year with an impressive celestial display. It is one of the best annual meteor showers, according to NASA. He is known for shooting glowing fireballs. Unlike the fast flash of an average streak of meteorites, these steep fireballs produce larger bursts of light and color that remain visible for a longer period of time.
The difference between the Quadrantids and most other meteorite rains lies in the fact that the Quadrantids come from the remains of an asteroid, a bare space rock. The particles burn intensely as they disintegrate and burn in the Earth’s atmosphere. Most meteor showers come from the smallest dust in a comet, which is a ball of ice and rock, according to Business Insider.
Every January, our planet finds the path of the asteroid 2003 EH1 and orbits directly through its debris. As its name suggests, the asteroid was discovered in 2003 and measures approximately 2 miles in diameter. It takes about 5 1/2 years to orbit the sun (a slower speed than Earth to do the same) and can be a “dead comet” or, according to NASA, a new “rock comet” object. which astronomers debate.
What time does the quadrantid meteor shower occur and when does it peak?
Although the Quadrantids are active between December 28 and January 12, they peak in early January of each year. However, unlike other meteor showers, whose peaks can last two days, the Quadrantids have a much narrower peak window of about six hours. The reason: the asteroid leaves behind a thin stream of debris that the planet strikes at a perpendicular angle.
In 2021, the Quadrantids will reach their peak overnight on Saturday until Sunday morning, January 2-3. When conditions are perfect, the peak can show between 60 and 200 meteors per hour. But there’s a big caveat: the waning gibbous moon will fill up about 84 percent, according to the International Meteorological Organization, and that means its light can exceed half that of meteors.
How can I see the Quadrantids?
First, in early January, pack up before you go out and bring a sleeping bag, blanket, or reclining chair. Then venture as far as possible from any light pollution.
You’ll want to lie on your back (or as close as you can) and look up. It is best to have your feet to the northeast. And with the moon so bright, look for a place where you can leave it out of sight in order to minimize its brightness.
You will also need to set aside plenty of time for viewing, as your eyes will need 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
When will the next meteor shower be in 2021?
The lilies will be placed on the meteor shower calendar, which will remain active between April 14 and April 30. If quadrantids end up being a mistake, maybe waiting a few months will have their advantages. The lilies will be at their peak between April 21 and 22, when the weather in the northern hemisphere will improve and the moon will be around 68%.