2024-01-03 18:10:00
the essentials This week, the Quadrantid shower of shooting stars is visible in the sky. The peak of the show is scheduled for the night of January 3 to 4.
A touch of magic to start the year off right. From January 1 to 5, the Quadrantid meteor shower, believed to come from comet Konzik-Peltier, is visible in the sky. The peak of this astronomical phenomenon will take place on the night of January 3 to 4, reports Science & Vie. According to the International Meteor Organization200 meteors per hour could pass by, for six hours.
The Quadrantids are mostly visible in the northern hemisphere. Before midnight, look in the direction of the Bouvier constellation, just below the Big Dipper, to try to see some shooting stars. Also note that the observation conditions will not be optimal: the Moon is in its last crescent, its light should therefore harm the show.
“Find an area far from the city or street lights,” advises the NASA. Prepare for winter with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up to admire as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will start seeing meteors.”
The Quadrantids owe their name to their appearance in the constellation of the Mural Quadrant, which disappeared in the 18th century during a rearrangement of the sky map.
On January 19, it is the Minorids γ-Ursae which will in turn light up the sky.
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