The Quadrantids meteor shower, known for its bright fireball meteors, is set to peak after midnight on Thursday, making it the first meteor shower of 2024 and one of the best annual meteor showers. Unlike most meteor showers that have a two-day peak, the Quadrantids peak only lasts for a few hours. Under perfect conditions, viewers can expect to see between sixty to two hundred meteors per hour during the peak.

To catch a glimpse of the Quadrantids meteor shower, astronomy fans in the Northern Hemisphere should head out during the night and pre-dawn hours. NASA advises finding a location away from city and street lights for optimal viewing. Viewers should lie flat on their backs with their feet facing south and allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes. It is also recommended to bring a blanket or sleeping bag to stay comfortable in the chilly temperatures.

What makes the Quadrantids meteor shower special is its association with bright fireball meteors. These fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that are brighter and can last longer than average meteor streaks. The Quadrantids will streak through the sky at a speed of about 25 miles per second. Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Quadrantids come from asteroid 2003 EH1, a small asteroid discovered on March 6, 2003. The meteor shower radiates from Quadrans Muralis, an obsolete constellation that is no longer recognized but has lent its name to the annual meteor shower.

A meteor shower occurs when space rocks, or meteors, enter Earth's atmosphere and create streaks of light as they burn up due to the glowing, hot air. While meteors can be seen every night, meteor showers occur when a large number of meteors hit Earth's atmosphere in a short period. Some meteors survive the trip and reach Earth, becoming meteorites.

The Quadrantids meteor shower will be active until January 16, 2024. The next meteor shower, the Lyrids, is not expected until April. Therefore, astronomy enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to witness the cosmic show early Thursday morning. NASA recommends finding a spot away from city lights, allowing time for eyes to adjust to darkness, and enjoying the spectacle of up to 200 space rocks per hour lighting up the night sky.