January Meteor Shower 2013; Quadrantid Meteor Shower Best Viewing Times and Places
The Quadrantid meteor shower will start the New Year off during an overnight show beginning on Jan. 1.
The meteor shower, named for an extinct constellation, is one of the lesser-known showers that is supposed to make up a full year of displays in the night's sky.
The shower will peak during the early morning of Jan. 4 at around 3 a.m. and will have a maximum rate of about 100 per hour, that vary between around 60-200 meteors, according to NASA.
Although the shower can be seen anywhere in the night sky, there is a spot that may have the best results for viewing.
Those living in the northern hemisphere have an opportunity to experience a much better view of the Quadrantids. Observers in higher latitudes will have better gazing conditions, but nevertheless will need to be wary of cloud cover, as conditions are typically cloudy during this time of year.
To best observe the Quadrantid meteor shower, star gazers should look toward the northeast to find the Big Dipper. Most of the meteors will be viewable above the handle of the Big Dipper constellation.
It is also best to view the meteor shower away from bright city lights that may impede proper viewing of the celestial event.
The meteor shower was first seen in 1825 and derives its name from the constellation of Quadrans Muralis.
The Quadrantid shower is known for giving a very bright show, but it can often be missed.
According to Spacedex.com, the Quadrantids meteor shower has one of the highest predicted hourly rates of all the major showers. The shower's high rate can often be too quick for observers looking for a long show.
There are two other big meteor showers that are expected to light up the night sky in 2013: the August Perseids and the December Geminids.
