Posted in Utah January 01, 2020 by

Watch Up To 100 Meteors Per Hour In The First Meteor Shower Of 2020, Visible From Utah

When it comes to viewing the heavens above, Utah is one of the best places in the country. With 15 International Dark Sky Parks and Communities, you can see millions of stars, get a great view of the Milky Way, and catch stellar views of meteor showers. The first meteor shower of 2020 is happening soon, and you won’t want to miss it.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Find some caffeine on the evening of January 3rd, 2020 so you can stay up into the wee hours of the morning. The Quadrantids Meteor Shower will peak at 1:20 a.m. on January 4th.
Adventure_Photo/E+/via Getty Images
The Quadrantids aren't as well known as the Perseids or Geminids, and these meteors are actually different. While most meteors come from comets, the Quadrantids come from an asteroid.
The Quadrantids were first documented in 1825, and they're kind of tricky to view.
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The meteors are typically only visible for about six hours, and in Utah the meteors will be low in the sky. Luckily, the moon shouldn't interfere with visibility, as it will only be 60 percent full.
As long as the skies are clear, we should still be able to witness this spectacle. In fact, during the peak of the shower, we might see as many as 100 meteors per hour!
William Attard McCarthy-McCarthy's PhotoWorks/Moment Collection/via Getty Images
Some of the meteors might appear as bright blue trails across the sky, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a fireball.
To view the Quadrantids, first find the Big Dipper. The radiant of the meteors will appear under the handle of the constellation.
By EarthSky Communications, Inc./Wikimedia
You'll want to set yourself up to view the meteor shower at around midnight, and plan to keep watching until around 2 a.m. to see the most meteors.
City dwellers will have a hard time seeing the Quadrantids, due to light pollution. To get the best views, head to one of Utah's Dark Sky Parks.
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Arches National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, and it's just one of many.
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Other parks include Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Antelope Island State Park, Steinaker State Park, North Fork Park of Ogden Valley, and the town of Torrey.

Do you plan to view the Quadrantids Meteor Shower? Tag the people you want to join you!

If you’re looking for a few suggestions for places to view the meteor shower, take a look at this little town that’s one of the darkest places in the nation.

Address: Utah, USA