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How to catch the Quadrantids, first meteor shower of 2025

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  • How to catch the Quadrantids, first meteor shower of 2025
  • December 31, 2024
  • Article Body Text WASHINGTON — <p>When the Quadrantid meteor shower peaks Friday, it will be the year's first chance to see fireballs in the sky. </p> <p>A waning crescent moon means good visibility under clear and dark conditions. </p> <p>Most meteor showers are named for the constellations where they appear to originate from in the night sky. But the Quadrantids &quot;take their name from a constellation that doesn't exist anymore,&quot; said NASA's William Cooke. </p> <p>These meteors usually don't have long trains, but the heads may appear as bright fireballs. The peak may reveal as many as 120 meteors per hour, according to NASA. </p> <p>Viewing lasts until Jan. 16. Here's what to know about the Quadrantids and other meteor showers. </p> <p><strong>What is a meteor shower?</strong> </p> <p>As the Earth orbits the sun, several times a year it passes through debris left by passing comets — and sometimes asteroids. The source of the Quadrantids is debris from the asteroid 2003 EH1. </p> <p>When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth's atmosphere, the debris encounters new resistance from the air and becomes very hot, eventually burning up. </p> <p>Sometimes the surrounding air glows briefly, leaving behind a fiery tail — the end of a &quot;shooting star.&quot; </p> <p>Special equipment is not needed to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights. </p> <p><strong>How to view a meteor shower</strong> </p> <p>The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours, when the moon is low in the sky. </p> <p>Competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow — are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities. </p> <p>And keep looking up, not down. Your eyes will be better adapted to spot shooting stars if you aren't checking your phone. </p> <p>The Quadrantids will peak on a night with a slim crescent moon, just 11% full. </p> <p><strong>When is the next meteor shower?</strong> </p> <p>The next meteor shower, the Lyrids, will peak in mid-April.</p>
  • Content Type Text
  • Language English
  • NewsML Media Topics Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
  • Subtitles / Dubbing Available No
  • Network VOA
  • Embargo Date December 31, 2024 16:16 EST
  • Byline Associated Press
  • Brand / Language Service Voice of America - English
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