Quadrantids meteor shower is all set to be witnessed in the northern hemisphere region of the earth. As per NASA, the stargazers are about to witness, the best annual meteor showers on the 2-3 January 2021. The Quadrantids are to achieve its peak during the first week of January while being active for the short duration of 6 hours as compared to the other meteor showers having the average of two days.
It is estimated that nearly 200 Quadrantid meteors can be witnessed during this shower in the clear sky. While explaining the act, NASA said, “Quadrantids are also known for their bright fireball meteors. Fireballs are larger explosions of light and colour that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. This is due to the fact that fireballs originate from larger particles of material”.
Originated from an asteroid known as 2003 EH1, the Quadrantids are either the comet particles or the broken asteroids. When these meteoroids enter the earth’s atmosphere at high speed, they become the shooting star or the meteors. 1825 was the first time when this meteor shower was observed.
As per NASA the Quadrantid meteor shower will be observed during the night and pre-dawn hours of January 2 into January 3. In order to view the phenomenon NASA said, “To view the Quadrantids, find an area well away from city or street lights. Come prepared for winter weather with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible”. It further added, “In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient—the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse”.