Quadrantids meteor shower: When and how to watch the celestial show in India

The new year will arrive with a stunning celestial show as Quadrantids, the initial meteor shower of the year, reaches its peak on January 3 and 4.

A meteor shower is an event that occurs when Earth passes through the debris left by a comet or asteroid, filling the sky with colorful streaks of light

This will be visible during the early morning hours. The Indira Gandhi planetarium in Lucknow plans to set up telescopes for public viewing of this astronomical event.



"Quadrantids, alternatively referred to as the Bootids, derive their name from the constellation Quadrans Muralis," said Sumit Srivastava, senior scientific officer at Indira Gandhi planetarium. He added that the celestial display, anticipated to be the year's first and most intense meteor shower, will illuminate the night sky between January 3-4.

According to NASA, the first annual meteor shower could prove to be the most impressive, with the potential to generate up to 120 meteors hourly during its peak.

NASA recommends viewing from a location away from city lights during night-time and early morning hours for optimal observation.

"Quadrantids stand as one of four notable annual meteor showers, alongside the Lyrids, Leonids and Ursids, all recognised for their distinctive peak periods," said Srivastava.

Quadrantid meteor shower starts from December 27 and will reach the peak by January 3.