It is not only the fireworks that mark the beginning of the new year, but also the meteor shower.
This weekend, keep an eye out for quarters, which – for those who dare to chill out during the late night hours and want to fight sleep – are known to put on a fire display every January.
Read on to see how you can get the most out of them – and start 2021 with a blast.
What is a quarter?
The quadrangle starts each new year with spectacular celestial displays. According to NASA it is one of the best annual meteor showers. It is known for shooting bright fireballs. In contrast to the rapid flash of the average meteor cord, these sizzling fireballs produce large bursts of light and color that remain visible for a long time.
The difference between a quarter and most other meteor showers lies in the fact that a quarter of the asteroid has emerged from an open space rock debris. Particles that scatter and burn in the Earth’s atmosphere become brighter. Most meteor showers come from small comet dust – which in itself is a ball of ice and rock, according to Business Insider.
Every January, our planet orbits the 2003 asteroid EH1 and orbits its debris. As its name suggests, the asteroid was discovered in 2003, and measures about 2 miles in diameter. It takes some 2-3 years to orbit the Sun – slower than Earth to do so – and it could be a “dead comet”, or a new “rock comet” being discussed by astronomers, according to NASA. .
What time does a quarter meteor shower occur, and when does it peak?
Although a quarter are active between December 28 and January 12, they peak at the beginning of January each year. However, in contrast to other meteor showers – whose peaks can last up to two days – the quarter has a narrow top window of about six hours. Cause: The asteroid leaves only a thin stream of debris following it, missing the planet at right angles.
In 2021, the quarter will peak overnight on Saturday, the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, January 2 to 3 when, under perfect conditions, between 60 and 200 meteors may be displayed at peak hours. But there’s a big caveat: According to the International Meteorological Organization, the waning Gibbous Moon will be about 84 percent full – and that means its light could outpace about half the meteors.
How can I see a quarter?
First, in early January, make a bundle just before you go out – and take a sleeping bag, a blanket or an armchair with you. After that, venture away from as much light pollution as you can.
You want to stay flat on your back – or as close as you can – and look. It is best to keep your feet to the northeast. And with the moon being so bright, find a place where you can keep it out of your sight in an attempt to diminish your brightness.
You will also need a large amount of time to see, as it will take 30 minutes to keep your eyes in the dark.
When is the next meteor shower in 2021?
Lurids is next on the meteor shower calendar, which will be active between April 14 and April 30. If a quarter becomes a dude, waiting several months will reap its benefits. Lerids will reach the top between April 21 and 22, while the weather will improve in the Northern Hemisphere and the moon will be about 68 percent full.
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