The Quadrantid Meteor Shower: When to Watch and What to Expect
The Quadrantid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on the night of Wednesday, January 4. This event has long been followed by stargazers for its brief but brilliant display when a surge of quick, icy fireballs lights up a dark sky. Officials from the Moscow Planetarium confirmed this prime viewing window, supporting the idea that observers in Canada and the United States can enjoy a brisk across-the-board show if skies cooperate.
Observers should plan for the moon to cast a bright glare across the night. The latest guidance notes that the near-full moon will wash out a portion of the fainter meteors, reducing the number visible to casual observers. Even so, the Quadrantids can still produce notable fireballs during ideal conditions, offering a memorable highlight for those willing to scout a clear, dark horizon.
Visibility for the Quadrantids extends over several days, from December 28 through January 12. This duration gives dedicated stargazers multiple opportunities to catch the healthy pulse of shooting stars, particularly during the late-night hours when the sky tends to be darker and the atmosphere calmer. Astronomy experts estimate that the peak night could bring as many as 110 meteors per hour under optimal circumstances, a figure that excites seasoned observers and newcomers alike.
For the best experience, plan to watch after midnight. The planetarium notes that the most rewarding show often unfolds in the hours after midnight when the radiant point rises higher in the northeastern portion of the sky. A little patience can go a long way here as meteors streak across the field of view, leaving brief trails that are easier to follow with naked eye or a simple telescope setup.
The Quadrantids’ radiant is traditionally traced to a region near the handle of the Great Bear, in the area close to the star pattern known as the Shepherd. While the radiant helps explain where the meteors originate, the display itself is visible across broad swaths of the northern sky, making it accessible to observers spread across North America. It remains a spectacular reminder that even a brief meteor shower can offer a sense of scale and wonder when the night is clear and the air is quiet.
Looking ahead to broader meteor activity in Russia and around the world, astronomers have noted other annual showers to watch for. The Aquarids are typically observed in May, while the Perseids tend to peak toward late summer, and the Geminids arrive mid-December. Additionally, forecasts have highlighted two consecutive supermoons expected to illuminate the skies on June 14 and July 13, which can impact night-sky visibility and the overall meteor-viewing experience. These seasonal patterns help skywatchers plan annual viewing calendars, even as local weather and light pollution remain the decisive factors in what is ultimately seen from any given location.