Don’t forget to stay up a few extra hours on the night of January 4, this year. The Quadrantid meteor shower often puts on a spectacular light show and is fun for the entire family.
January Meteor Shower
The Quadrantid meteor shower is the first major meteor shower of each year. This particular meteor shower is considered as an “annual” meteor shower – which means it can be observed during the same time frame every year.
While some Quadrantid meteors can be viewed nearly every night during the first ten days of January, the peak of the shower has been predicted to fall on the night of January 4th, Tuesday – between the hours of 7 EST and midnight.
A Light Show for any Skywatcher under Starry Skies
The meteor watcher should be able to observe at least 30 to 50 meteors per hour under dark, sky conditions, but this meteor shower has occasionally produced over 100 meteors per hour in the past.
The radiant, or area of the sky where the meteors seem to appear, will be near the constellation Bootes (the plowman). At approximately 8:00 EST, focus your attention to the northern skies and begin watching for the meteors.
Fireballs are also common in this meteor shower. A fireball is simply a very bright meteor, and these are often considered the “highlights” of any meteor shower. While most fireballs are just bright enough to really get your attention, some (but very few) can get as bright as the Sun! These will light up the ground around you as if it were day.
Keep Warm – Wear Winter Clothing
Bundle up and wear plenty of warm winter clothing while you are observing the Quadrantids. Keeping warm will help prevent hypothermia, and will prevent you from calling the meteor shower off because you are cold. Consider taking along extra blankets, hot cocoa, and coffee. These will help with the cold.
Also, if you have children that are also going to observe the meteor shower, make sure they are double-bundled – including head covering and gloves. They get cold easier and quicker than we do – so make sure they are protected from the winter elements.
Preserve these Meteors, Try DSLR Astrophotography
Astrophotography with DSLR’s has become very common – especially with meteors. When photographed, their “streaks” are recorded.
Before you decide that you are not “quick enough” to photograph meteors, it’s easier than you think. All you need is a DSLR or a standard “film camera” capable of taking long exposures, and a wide field lens. Simply focus the lens to infinity, aim the camera to the area of the sky where the meteors should appear, and begin taking long exposures. It’s as simple as that.
A Children's Introduction to Space and Backyard Visual Astronomy
Steve Farmer - Steve Farmer Jr. is an individual of many interests and hobbies. When not spending time with his wife and four children, he is an employee ...
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