If you’re looking for an easy hobby that’s sure to help you make memories with friends and family, why not take up stargazing? Being able to spot constellations, galaxies, and stars is always a fun way to start a conversation. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to understanding the heavenly bodies, make it a point to catch as many meteor showers as you can in the new year. Luckily, early January kicks off the decade with a light show that’s easy to spot against the dark Iowa skies.

Kick off the roaring 2020s with a light show that's sure to impress any stargazer. The Quadrantid meteor shower in Iowa shows off up to 100 shooting stars per hour in the right conditions.
Flickr / Rich
This year, the moon sets well below the peak, which is predicted to be around 2 a.m. central time.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
The Quadrantids can be seen just below the Big Dipper, and they peak for a few hours overnight between January 3rd and January 4th, 2020. You can catch the Quadrantid meteor shower in Iowa from any dark spot with a clear view of the Big Dipper.
Flickr / Bill Dickinson

Related Stories

Iowa's Driftless Area Is The Quiet Oasis You'll Want To Discover This Year

Iowa's Driftless Area Is The Quiet Oasis You'll Want To Discover This Year

 Surges Of Up To 100 Meteors Per Hour Will Light Up The Iowa Skies During The 2020 Lyrid Meteor This April

Surges Of Up To 100 Meteors Per Hour Will Light Up The Iowa Skies During The 2020 Lyrid Meteor This April

 9 Iowa Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List

9 Iowa Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List
Iowa's lakes and reservoirs offer plenty of open sky to spot the meteors, and are often some of the darkest places around.
Flickr / Eneas De Troya
If you're really committed to spotting the shooting stars, plan a winter camping excursion. If you have the right gear, it's a blast to camp in solitude in the dead of winter.
Flickr / Subarurally
Of course, you can also drive out along any of our country roads to find dark skies and watch the show from the comfort of your heated car.
Flickr / Rich
No matter where you choose to watch the Quadrantid meteor shower in Iowa, you'll be treated to a celestial show to kick off the new decade.
Flickr / Rich

Where do you plan on catching the Quadrantids this year? Check out the Dark Sky Finder to pinpoint the best place to catch a view of the Big Dipper and shooting stars just below it.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa