Watch Up To 40 Meteors Per Hour In The First Meteor Shower Of 2020, Visible From Virginia
There’s a lot to look forward to in 2020, and the first meteor shower of the decade should be at the top of your list. For star enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the Quadrantid Meteor Shower will be an event worth viewing. Viewers who brave the early morning cold will be rewarded with up to 40 meteors per hour at the peak of the show on January 4th, weather permitting. Here’s more on this fantastic celestial event you won’t want to miss.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Beginning on January 4th just after midnight, the night sky will be illuminated with a dazzling meteor show known as the Quadrantids.
While most meteor showers experience their peak just a few hours after midnight, this shower will produce up to 40 meteors per hour around 5:00 a.m. the morning of January 4th.
The Quadrantids are unique for many reasons, primarily because they are thought to have originated from asteroid 2003 EH1, which is nicknamed a "rock comet," which may have broken from a larger comet dismantled in 1490.
Another reason these shooting stars are unique is the color. While most meteors appear white as they streak across the sky, the Quadrantids can appear in shades of pink, bright blue, yellow, and even green.
The meteors are best seen in dark skies, so be sure to find a place where there won't be much light pollution from nearby houses or buildings. Virginia's state parks or Shenandoah National Park would be a memorable place to try. Just be sure to bundle up!
What are your thoughts on this upcoming meteor shower? We’d love to hear from you! If you’re looking for a great place to watch the meteor shower, be sure to check out Virginia’s very own International Dark Sky Park.
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
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