Sky Spectacle: Meteor Shower and Supermoon Light Up January Nights

Tonight, the sky is putting on a show. The Quadrantid meteor shower is set to peak, and it's not alone. The first supermoon of the year will also make an appearance. But before you rush outside, there are a few things to know. The Quadrantids are no ordinary meteor shower. They stand out because of their brief but intense peak. Unlike other showers that last for days, the Quadrantids light up the sky for just a few hours. During this time, you can expect to see between 60 and 200 meteors per hour. The reason for this short burst is that Earth crosses the asteroid particle stream at a right angle. Most meteor showers come from comets, but the Quadrantids are different. They originate from an asteroid called 2003 EH1. Scientists think this asteroid might be a "dead comet" or a "rock comet, " but for now, it's classified as an asteroid. It's about 2 miles across and takes over 5. 5 years to orbit the Sun.Viewing the Quadrantids won't be easy this year. The supermoon and weather conditions might make it challenging. The best time to watch is after midnight and before dawn, away from city lights. Face north, with the moon behind you, and bundle up. It's cold out there, but a warm drink can make the experience more enjoyable. While you're out there, don't forget to check out the supermoon. Known as the Super Wolf Moon, it reaches peak illumination at 5:03 a. m. ET on January 3. The name "Wolf Moon" comes from the belief that wolves howl more during the first full moon of the year because they're hungry. However, wolves actually howl to communicate with their pack, define territory, and coordinate hunting. The supermoon has other names too. Some call it the Center Moon, Cold Moon, or Frost Exploding Moon. Others know it as the Canada Goose Moon, Great Moon, Greeting Moon, or Spirit Moon. Whatever you call it, it's a sight to behold. If you miss the Quadrantids, don't worry. The next big meteor showers, the Lyrids and Eta Aquariids, will happen in late April and May. But for now, grab a blanket, a warm drink, and enjoy the sky show.