For lovers of shooting stars, this is the week not to be missed. The Quadrantids are back and are expected to light up the sky until January 5.
It’s the first shower of shooting stars of the year: From January 1 to 5, the Earth meets the swarm of the Quadrantids, coming from the comet Konzik-Peltier, explains the magazine Sciences and Life.
And the peak of this shower of shooting stars is expected during the night of Wednesday January 3 to Thursday January 4. According to the International Meteorological Organization200 meteors per hour could thus pass by for six hours.
Where to stand?
Depending on where you are, viewing conditions may not be optimal, mainly due to overcast skies over a large part of the country. Residents of the southeast quarter should be the most privileged, says RTL. Another obstacle to the spectacle: the moon, which is entering its last crescent, and whose brightness could be annoying.
To increase your chances, move away from light pollution and observe the sky before midnight, in the direction of the Bouvier constellation, which is located below the Big Dipper. No equipment is necessary, just your eyes, wide open, are enough.
If by chance you miss this spectacle, don’t panic, an upcoming shower of shooting stars, the Minorids γ-Ursae, is planned for January 19.