Catch the Quadrantids: Meteor Shower Party in the Sky!

Hey, skywatchers! Get ready for a cosmic party in the night sky! The Quadrantids meteor shower is about to put on a dazzling show. They've been active since late December, but the real action starts tonight—January 16. NASA thinks this is one of the best annual showers, with up to 200 meteors per hour at its peak. But don't worry if you don't see that many; January weather can be a bit of a spoilsport. Ever heard of the Quadrans Muralis constellation? Yeah, neither have we, but that's where the Quadrantids get their name. They appear near the Big Dipper and come from an asteroid called 2003 EH1. This guy is about 2 miles wide and causes spectacular explosions of light and color when it hits our atmosphere. So, how can you join the party? Well, grab a cozy spot away from city lights and get comfy on your back. Face northeast and give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust. Voilà! You're ready for the show. Just remember, some areas might have dense clouds, so keep your fingers crossed for clear skies. The fun starts as the sun sets around 5 p. m. EST and carries on through the night to early Friday morning. Plus, you might see fireball meteors—they're like the superstars of meteors, shining bright and long. Did you know the Quadrantids are the first of nine major meteor showers this year? They're also special because their peak is shorter than others due to Earth's path. Oh, and by the way, 2025 is expected to be a great year for northern lights too! The sun's surface is extra active right now, so get ready for more stunning night sky views.