Pretoria residents can look forward to the first meteor shower of 2025 tonight, which NASA considers one of the best annual showers.
While the Quadrantids are typically not visible in the Southern Hemisphere due to their low radiant point, residents can still catch the display live on NASA’s stream if it’s not visible locally.
The display is expected to peak in activity, offering a spectacular skywatching experience.
According to a report by Space.Com, the Quadrantid meteor stream provides one of the most intense annual meteor displays, with a brief, sharp maximum lasting only a few hours.
Why is this so special?
The Quadrantids are famous for their bright fireball meteors, larger explosions of light and color that last longer than an average meteor streak. These fireballs come from larger material particles and are much brighter with magnitudes greater than -3.
This unique feature makes the Quadrantid meteor shower a visual treat that should not be missed by any amateur or experienced stargazer.
According to NASA, activity for the Quadrantids can peak at up to 200 meteors per hour, but the average weather conditions for January tend to make the meteors difficult to view.
Meteor showers of 2025
After the Quadrantids, there is a bit of a lull in meteor shower activity, and the next one won’t occur until April. Here are the remaining showers to anticipate and their peak dates in 2025.
- Lyrids: April 21-22
- Eta Aquariids: May 3-4
- Southern Delta Aquariids: July 29-30
- Alpha Capricornids: July 29-30
- Perseids: August 12-13
- Draconids: October 8-9
- Orionids: October 22-23
- Southern Taurids: November 3-4
- Northern Taurids: November 8-9
- Leonids: November 16-17
- Geminids: December 12-13
- Ursids: December 21-22
Also read: Here is the official petrol price for January
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