Your chance to catch some shooting stars kicks off tonight with the Quadrantid meteor shower. This event peeks overnight, offering a brief but dazzling display. However, the bright full moon may hide all but the shiniest meteors.
The Quadrantid meteor shower runs from December 26, 2025, to January 16, 2026, with its peak occurring early on January 4. During its height, it can produce up to 200 meteors an hour under the right conditions, but this year, the full moon’s brightness will likely reduce that number to about 10 visible meteors per hour.
These meteors originate from asteroid 2003 EH1, which leaves behind a trail of debris. When Earth intersects this trail, we see those brief streaks of light—known as shooting stars—as the debris burns up upon entering our atmosphere. It’s a spectacular moment, even if the full moon clouds the show a bit.
The Quadrantids are best viewed from locations north of 51 degrees latitude. The meteors seem to radiate from near the Big Dipper’s handle in the constellation Ursa Major. Interestingly, the shower gets its name from an obsolete constellation called Quadrans Muralis, established by the French astronomer Jerome Lalande in 1795.
This meteor shower has a unique history. In past years, the Quadrantids have dazzled skywatchers, but they have always faced challenges from moonlight. As technology has advanced, so have the ways we study these events. Experts now encourage stargazers to find dark locations to maximize their viewing experience, away from city lights.
With social media buzzing about meteor showers, many skywatchers share their experiences and tips online. Hashtags like #Quadrantids2026 and #MeteorWatching generate excitement and encourage budding astronomers to step outside and look up.
While tonight might not offer the full experience due to the moon, don’t miss the chance to catch a glimpse of these celestial wonders. To learn more about viewing and photographing these meteors, you can check resources like the EarthSky guide for tips and techniques.
