STARGAZERS are in for a potentially dazzling display of the Quadrantids meteor shower tomorrow and Thursday.
The Quadrantids are a meteor shower associated with the asteroid EH1.
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Meteor showers occur when dust or particles from asteroids or comets enter Earth’s atmosphere at a very high speed.
Shooting stars are technically meteoroids – or small, rocky particles that strike Earth’s atmosphere.
EH1 takes about 5.5 years to orbit around our Sun, according to EarthSky.
And this year’s meteor shower is expected to be visible starting tomorrow night.
It will not, however, reach its peak until the early hours of January 4th, 2024.
More specifically, 4:53 a.m. EST to dawn will be the best time to observe the shower from North America.
This densely-populated shower could illuminate the sky with up to 120 meteors per hour.
Live Science reported that those in the western regions of North America should look for Quadrantids earlier at night.
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They also mentioned that it would be difficult to spot the showers with binoculars or a beginner’s telescope.
This means that your naked eye and geographic location will be your best tools to spot any shooting stars.
TIPS FOR WATCHING THE METEOR SHOWER
Nasa recommends users find an area well away from the city or street lights.
“Come prepared for winter weather with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair,” the space agency said.
“Lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible,” they added.
“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors.”
While the moon phase won’t be ideal this year, try to keep an eye out for fireballs.
