The Quadrantid meteor shower 2024 peaks tonight alongside a bright moon

At greatest activity, 60 to 120 meteors per hour have been reported during the Quadrantids.

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The Quadrantid meteor shower actually radiate from the northeast corner of the constellation of Boötes, the Herdsman, so we might expect them to be called the "Boötids."

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As viewed from mid-northern latitudes, we have to get up before dawn to see the Quadrantids at their best.

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This year will be a favorable year to watch for the peak of this meteor display across much of North America.

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According to meteor experts, Margaret Campbell-Brown and Peter Brown in the 2024 Observer's Handbook of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the peak of this year's shower is predicted for 4 a.m. Eastern Time or 1 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, Jan. 4.

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Under a clear dark sky, meteor rates of 60 or more per hour might be possible for Easterners, while somewhat lower numbers should be expected for those in the Far West.

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