Quadrantid Meteor Shower
Tonight is the peak of the annual meteor shower known as the Quadrantids, or Quads for short. Viewing this shower is tricky as it occurs during the coldest month and the coldest time of night…between 3 and 6 am. If you are brave enough to wake up extra early and endure the frigid temperature (low of 19) you may be in for a pretty good show. The peak of this shower can give you anywhere from 60 meteors and hour to 200 per hour! It could be well worth it to wake up a couple hours early tomorrow after the moon has set and drink something hot on a lawn chair but I haven’t decided if I’m going to do it or not…I do not like going to bed early :/. But if you think you might be interested in watching this promising shower Sky & Telescope has more info: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Quadrantid-Meteors-to-Perform-Jan-4th-136154248.html. Don’t forget though, the next major shower isn’t until the Lyrrids in late April so it’s going to be a while before you get another chance. Good luck and stay warm!
Posted on January 3, 2012, in Night Sky and tagged Meteor shower, Quadrans Muralis, Quadrantid. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
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