Saturday, January 3, 2026

Get ready for the first big meteor storm of the year : The Quadrantids !

 



via Sky&Earth

https://www.facebook.com/SkyAndEarth/


The Quadrantids are back — and this year they’re putting on a dramatic show against a bright Full Wolf Moon.


The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on the night of January 3–4, 2026 for the Northern Hemisphere, sending fast streaks from the old Quadrans Muralis region near Boötes.


  • Why the Quadrantids favor the northern hemisphere ?


The Quadrantids are best seen from mid- to high-northern latitudes. Observers in North America, Europe, and much of Asia have the best chance of seeing this shower.


  • The moon's role in 2026 : a missing blessed :





via Exploratory World

https://www.facebook.com/ShortsReels3


One of the most important factors in meteor watching is moonlight, and unfortunately, 2026 brings a full Supermoon during the Quadrantids peak.


Bright moonlight dramatically reduces visibility by:

  • Washing out faint meteors

  • Lowering overall contrast in the sky

  • Making it harder for eyes to fully dark-adapt


As a result, only the brightest Quadrantid meteors will be visible this year.


That said, the Quadrantids are known for producing some exceptionally bright fireballs, and those can still cut through moonlight with stunning clarity. If you’re patient and give your eyes time to adjust, you may still catch several memorable streaks.


Whether you’re an Astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful night of stargazing, the Quadrantids Meteor Shower is an event that promises to captivate and inspire. 


✨What Makes Quadrantids Special Potential ? 

The peak is very short, only about 4–6 hours, so timing your watch window matters much more than for most showers.


🌕 Moonlight And Best Time


In 2026 the peak coincides with a full Moon, which will wash out fainter meteors and leave only the brightest visible.


Stargazers can ring in the beginning of 2026 by witnessing the first meteor shower of the year.



Aim for the late night of January 3 and pre–dawn of January 4, keeping the Moon behind you and focusing on the darkest part of the northern sky.



📍 How To Watch From Home


Find a spot away from city lights, dress warmly, lie back, and let your eyes adjust for at least 20 minutes; no telescope is needed.



Look generally toward the north and overhead rather than staring at the radiant so you can catch long trails crossing the Milky Way.





via International Star Registration


📸 Capture The Meteor Burst


Set a wide–angle lens on a tripod, use long exposures, and shoot repeated frames to stack later, just like this dramatic desert scen
What Makes Quadrantids SpecialPotential rates reach 80–120 meteors per hour under dark skies, with many bright blue fireballs from asteroid 2003 EH1.


Education:

This year, some teachers and students are now school back time.


So, how science curriculum will be enhanced with the help of this awesome event in the sky. The Quadrantids!


Do you want a better science lesson ? A live lesson of science. Wow!


The winter, cold temperatures contribute in making this shower neglected by the public, while it offer bright, very enjoyable meteors. 





Most of us are excited about the Quadrantid shower, specially if you teach sciences or you are science students. Of course, stargazers as well. 


My usual readers know I don't teach sciences. I'm a Humanities person and Former teacher of Humanities. But I'm a passionate of science and all the high technology near science.


But the Quadrantids 2026 will be a special natural resource from the sky to enhance a Science lesson! 

Who knows if you will have some stargazers in your class that will be happy to talk about their experience and show you and classmates a video or two made with their smartphones


G-Souto

03.01.2026
Copyright © 2026G-Souto'sBlog, gsouto-digitalteacher.blogspot.com®



Get ready for the first big meteor of the the year : The Quadrantids ! by G-Souto is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


Resources:

Sky&Earth/ Exploratory World/International Star Registration/Luna Discover


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