The 2024 Quadrantids meteor shower will peak on 3 and 4 January. While moonlight may get in the way, here’s what to do for your best chance of spotting it
By Abigail Beall
3 January 2024
Quadrantid “fireball” in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, in January 2020
Mike Lewinski CC BY 2.0 DEED
The first major meteor shower of the year kicks off tonight and tomorrow, peaking in the early hours of 4 January, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Called the Quadrantids, it is one of the most active meteor showers of the year.
At its pinnacle, up to 110 meteors are visible each hour, with the event often being associated with particularly bright meteors called fireballs.
This year, a third quarter moon means moonlight could get in the way of seeing as many as 110 meteors, but if you have clear skies, it will still be worth a look.
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When are the Quadrantids?
The current Quadrantid meteor shower began on 28 December, but it will be visible for some on 3 January and peak just before 1am GMT on 4 January, in an event that is expected to last just six hours.
Where can I watch the Quadrantids?
The Quadrantid meteor shower is best viewed from the northern hemisphere. If you have a clear sky, go outside just after midnight and try to get away from light pollution.