Our universe may be chock-full of cosmic wonders, but only a fraction of astronomical phenomena can be observed with the naked eye. He is also responsible for meteor showers, which are natural fireworks that shine brightly in the night sky.
The first meteor shower that can be observed this year is the Siberid meteor shower, which has been active since December 28th and is expected to continue until January 12th. The meteor shower will reach its peak on January 3rd and 4th, from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.
Predicted by the International Meteor Organization to be one of the most powerful meteor showers of the year, the Quadriids is also one of the few meteor showers caused by asteroid debris (others are caused by comets). Although best viewed from the northern hemisphere, the shower is one of the most difficult to catch.
The quadrant basin has one of the shortest peak periods, lasting only 6 hours. And this time of year can mean cloudy skies and frigid temperatures. Since the moon will be more than half full, meteors can be difficult to spot.
Where do meteor showers come from?
While it’s possible to see meteors on any night, you’re most likely to see them during a rain shower. Meteor showers are caused by the Earth passing through debris trailing comets and asteroids as they orbit the sun. This debris, which can be as small as a grain of sand, leaves behind a trail of glowing light as it burns up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Meteor showers occur around the same time every year and can last from a few days to a few weeks. But when each shower reaches its peak, which happens when Earth reaches the densest part of the universe’s debris, there is only a small window. Peak is the best time to look for showers. From our vantage point on Earth, meteors appear to come from the same point in the sky.
For example, the Perseid meteor shower peaks in the constellation Perseus in mid-August. The Geminid meteor shower occurs every December and radiates out from the constellation Gemini.
Subscribe to the Times’ Space and Astronomy Calendar and get reminders about meteor showers throughout the year.
How to see meteor showers
Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observation adler planetarium Doctors in Chicago recommend refraining from using telescopes or binoculars when viewing meteor showers.
“All you need is an eye, and ideally a dark sky,” she said.
That’s because meteors can shoot out across large areas of the sky, so viewing equipment can limit your field of view.
Some showers are powerful enough to produce up to 100 streaks per hour. According to the American Meteor SocietyHowever, you probably won’t see that many.
“Most of us live under light-polluted skies,” Nichols said. “You may think you’re under dark skies, but in reality, there can be bright lights nearby, even in small towns.”
Planetariums, local astronomy clubs, even maps, etc. This one Helps you find out where to avoid excessive light. The best conditions for viewing meteor showers are clear skies with no moon or cloud cover between midnight and sunrise. (Moonlight affects visibility in the same way as light pollution, washing out darker light sources in the sky.) Give your eyes at least 30 minutes to get used to seeing in the dark.
Nichols recommends layering, even in the summer. “She’s going to be sitting there watching for a while,” she said. “It’s cold even in August.”
Bring some cocoa or tea to keep you warmer. Then sit back, watch the sky, and enjoy the show.