In the first days of the new year, it is worth looking up at the sky and admiring the spectacle of the Quadrantids meteor shower. The peak of this shower will occur on the night of January 3rd to 4th. Although the best chances for observation will be on Wednesday, it is good to know that the meteor shower will be visible until January 7th.
In recent weeks, we have been able to admire various extraordinary phenomena in the sky, such as lenticular clouds. Now, it is time for the Quadrantids, which are known as “falling stars”. These meteor showers originate from an asteroid discovered in 2003. The Quadrantids have a speed of about 40 km/h, which means that we will be able to observe them without much difficulty. However, the weather may pose a problem as cloudy skies hinder the visibility of meteors.
To increase the chances of observing the meteor shower, it is worth going to a place with minimal light pollution. Venturing outside the city or finding a location with minimal lighting around can help in admiring this phenomenon. During the peak, on the evening of January 3rd, we can expect up to 120 meteors per hour. However, this number will decrease in the following days.
If the weather does not favor us and we would still like to see meteor showers, another opportunity will arise between February and March in the form of the Leonids. However, for more spectacular observations, we will have to wait for the April Lyrids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What are the Quadrantids?
The Quadrantids are meteor showers that originate from an asteroid discovered in 2003. We can observe them in the sky in the first days of January.
2. What factors can affect the observation of the Quadrantids?
The most important factor affecting the observation of the meteor shower is the weather. If the sky is cloudy, we will not be able to see the meteors. It is also essential to find a place without light pollution to increase the chances of admiring this phenomenon.
Sources:
– “Spójrz dziś w niebo. Pierwsza taka okazja w tym roku” – https://www.wp.pl/
The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt