Quadrantids: First Meteor Shower Of 2015 Peaks Tonight — Here’s How, When To See It

Those in the Northern Hemisphere can start off 2015 in a big and fun way by watching the Quadrantids, the very first meteor shower and shooting star show. Actually, they can do it tonight as the Quadrantids will peak on January 3, at 9 p.m. EST.

Now, that is when the meteor shower will peak, but the best viewing hours in the Northern Hemisphere will be sometime between midnight and dawn on Sunday, January 4. That will be your local time.

Space reveals that the Quadrantids meteor shower will indeed be the first meteor shower of 2015, and it is one named after the constellation in the sky where the point in which they appear to radiate is located. This is very much the same way the Geminids are named for Gemini and the Perseids for Perseus.

In the Quadrantids, the meteors are actually remnants left over from the extinct Comet 2003 EH1 which was closest to Earth in March. They will originate this evening in the northern sky, but should be visible throughout.

Don’t miss the Quadrantids – the first shooting stars of 2015: http://t.co/hXsjKAJnaZ pic.twitter.com/3w1VwBMWBv

— Astronomy Now (@AstronomyNow) January 2, 2015

There are going to be around 80 meteors per hour during the peak times, so heading outside to check out the show will have you in for a big treat.

Now, there will be some problems this evening in seeing the Quadrantids, as there will be an almost full moon. According to IFLScience, the moon will be full on January 5, and tonight it will wash out many meteors that will occur.

Still, the brighter ones will be able to be seen, and you’ve simply got to know how to see them properly. Here are some of the best tips for seeing the Quadrantids tonight.

1. Hope for black skies with the new moon so the brighter meteors shine thoroughly.
2. Find a spot to watch in the country and away from city lights and structures.
3. Sit outside for at least an hour of viewing time so that your eyes can adjust to the dark and see better.
4. Telescopes and binoculars will limit your vision, so view them with the naked eye.
5. Watch for hours if you can. The longer you sit out there, the better chance you have of catching more meteors.
6. Watch the shower with some friends so that eyes can be on different parts of the skies.
7. No special equipment is necessary if you have a dark sky, plenty of time, and some warm clothes. Don’t let yourself freeze and shiver while trying to get a good view.
8. Relax while you’re out there. Don’t get jumpy or antsy. Take your time while looking for the meteors and look all over the place to see what you might catch.

If your sky is too lit up or you just can’t finds a good spot to watch the Quadrantids this evening, the first meteor shower of 2015 can be viewed via the Slooh Space Camera. Check out their live broadcast, which will begin online at 11 p.m. EST on January 4.

[Image via NASA/JPL]