Quadrantids Meteor Shower 2025 date, peak time: How to watch year's first meteor display in India?

Quadrantid meteor shower 2025 (Image : Canva)

A celestial delight awaits stargazers as the Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on 3 and 4 January 2025. Active since 27 December, this annual event promises a dazzling start to the New Year, with meteors streaking across the night sky.

A Rare and Intense Meteor Shower

The Quadrantids, considered among the finest meteor showers, are known for their brief but intense peak. Unlike other showers with two-day peaks, the Quadrantids last only a few hours. During the peak, 60 to 200 meteors per hour can be seen under ideal conditions, according to NASA.

This meteor shower originates from the asteroid 2003 EH1, believed to be either a "dead comet" or "rock comet." Meteors occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by comets or asteroids, creating bright streaks in the sky.

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Named after the now-defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis, introduced in 1795 by French astronomer Jérôme Lalande, the Quadrantids hold a unique place in astronomical history. The constellation no longer appears in the International Astronomical Union's official list of constellations.

Where and When to Watch in India

The Quadrantids will remain active until 16 January, but their peak visibility in India falls during the early hours of 3 and 4 January. Sumit Srivastava, senior scientific officer at the Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Lucknow, confirmed that 80 to 120 meteors per hour are expected during the peak.

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To enhance the experience, the planetarium plans to set up telescopes for public viewing. The shower is best observed from the Northern Hemisphere under clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Prepare to witness this astronomical spectacle and welcome 2025 with a celestial display that captures the wonder of our universe.

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