Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73; FreeDigitalPhotos. |
The 2012 Quadrantid Meteor Shower is active from December 28th, 2011, until January 12th, 2012. However, peak activity will occur on January 4th, around 0700 GMT, and last for only a few hours in total. The shower is visible only in the Northern Hemisphere.
City lights, called light pollution, can interfere with viewing. So can reflected moonlight, but not this time around! Viewing conditions will be close to ideal, as long as skies are clear, after the moon sets. Prior to moonset, try standing with your back to the moon.
Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The Quadrantid Meteor Shower is named for the no-longer-recognized constellation Quadrans Muralis.
Check out these sites for more information about the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, including recommended viewing times for your corner of the globe.
- Christian Science Monitor: Quadrantid meteor shower won't have to compete with moonlight
- Obsolete Constellations: Quadrans Muralis, the mural quadrant
- Spacedex: Quadrantids Meteor Shower
- American Meteor Society: Viewing Prospects for the 2012 Quadrantid Meteor Shower
- EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2012
- Stardate: 2012 Meteor Showers
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