The Quadrantids are a January meteor shower. The zenithal hourly rate of this shower can be as high as two other reliably rich meteor showers, the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December.
QUICK FACTS
- The Quadrantids, which peaks during early-January each year, are considered to be one of the best annual meteor showers. Most meteor showers have a two day peak. The Quadrantids peak, on the other hand, is much shorter — only a few hours.
- Quadrantids are also known for their bright fireball meteors ( Fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak).
- It was named after an extinct constellation – Quadrans Muralis – which was created by the French astronomer Jerome Lalande in 1795.
- The Quadrantids meteor shower is made up of space debris that will enter our atmosphere at speeds of 90,000 mph before burning up 50 miles above Earth’s surface.
- Quadrantids are seen in January each year and this year is no exception. This year the Quadrantids will peak during the night and early morning hours of 3 and 4 of January.
IMAGES OF QUADRANTIDS
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