Welcome 2023 with a stargazing meteor shower which is clearly visible to the naked eye!
Following the spectacular Geminids Meteor Shower, the UAE skies are all set to have another major celestial phenomenon. The spectacular Quadrantids Meteor Shower will peak on January 3 and 4, 2023
Quadrantids Meteor Shower On January 3rd, 2023
According to the Dubai Astronomy Group, Quadrantids Meteor Shower – the first major one of the year – is also one of the most intense meteor showers to view. The shower gets its name from a constellation called Quadrans Muralis.
The Quadrantids Meteor Shower is among the strongest and most consistent, and its intensity could reach a maximum rate of 110 meteors per hour on a clear night. While it will continue till January 5, the shower will be at its strongest peak on the night of January 3-4.
How To View The Quadrantids Meteor Shower?
The UAE residents can view the Quadrantids Meteor Shower from anywhere with their naked eye. It does not require any special equipment or skill to observe the meteor shower. All that is needed is a clear sky and a secluded viewing spot away from the city lights.
According to NASA, the best viewing angle is to lie with your feet to the northeast. Let your eyes adjust for 30 minutes to catch even the faintest meteors.
Unlike other meteor showers that tend to peak for around two days, the Quadrantids only peaks for a few hours. Most notably, the Quadrantids are known for producing dramatic fireball meteors, which are longer and brighter than typical meteors because they originate from bigger pieces of debris.
The Quadrantids meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Boötes, near the Big Dipper.
The Quadrantids are the debris trail of an asteroid called 2003 EH1, which was discovered in the Lowell Observatory Near-Earth-Object Search (LONEOS) in 2003. Asteroid 2003 EH1 orbits the sun every 5.52 years, according to NASA. Earth passes through its debris trail at a perpendicular angle, meaning the peak period for showers of dust and tiny rock fragments is brief.
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Join Dubai Astronomy Group to watch Quadrantids meteor shower up close
The Dubai Astronomy Group has announced a stargazing and Quadrantids meteor shower observation on January 3 from 11 PM to 4 AM. They will provide telescopes for participants to observe celestial objects including the moon, Mars, and Saturn during the event.
