It’s time to look up for 2026’s first major cosmic event in the northern hemisphere. The Quadrantids meteor shower, which started in late December 2025, will peak on January 3-4, putting on a magnificent show in the night sky. Quadrantids are considered to be one of the best annual meteor showers and skygazers can expect between 60 to 200 meteors every hour under perfect conditions.
Interestingly, Quadrantids is the shortest meteor shower of the year as its peak lasts just a few hours as compared to other meteor showers that peak over two days.
Where do Quadrantids come from?
The Quadrantids meteors are formed like any other meteor shower. As Earth orbits the Sun, it passes through a debris trail of a comet consisting of dust and icy bits. When these materials collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up creating fiery and colourful streaks.
The Quadrantids originate from the leftovers of asteroid 2003 EH1, which NASA says is a “dead comet.” Discovered in March 2003, this asteroid measures three kilometres wide and takes 5.5 years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
Where to look for Quadrantids meteor shower?
The Quadrantids meteors will appear to emerge from the Bootes constellations near the end of the handle of the “Big Dipper.” The Big Dipper is the seven-star formation of the Ursa Major (Great Bear) constellation.
The best time for viewing the meteor shower is between midnight to predawn. NASA advises not to look just at the Bootes constellation because the meteors will be visible across the northeastern night sky. The best way to spot the meteors is to find an area free from light pollution. Give your eyes around 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness and find a comfortable place to relax because it’s an activity that requires patience.
Will the Moon cause trouble?
Unfortunately, the full Moon will reach peak illumination on the night of January 3 and it may drown out the streaking meteors. What’s more, is that we have a supermoon coming and the Moon will appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
What other meteor showers to expect in 2026?
You can expect eight other meteor showers which occur at fixed intervals each year. The Quadrantids will be followed by Lyrids (April), Eta Aquariids (May), Perseids (August), Draconids (October), Orionids (October), Taurids (November), Leonids (November), Geminid (December) and Ursids (December).
Apart from Quadrantids, the Geminids and the Perseids are the most prominent meteor showers that bring the highest number of meteors (up to 100 or more) under perfect conditions.
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