This week, astronomy enthusiasts will have the chance towitness an exceptional celestial spectacle. The shower of shooting stars of the Quadrantids will light up the sky of France from January 1 to 5with a peak of intensity on the night of January 3 to 4 capable of reaching up to 200 shooting stars per hour.
Period of activity and peak intensity
The period of activity of Quadrantides extends from January 1 to 5. Peak intensity is expected on the night of January 3 to 4where it will be possible to observe up to 200 shooting stars per hour under optimal conditions.
The Quadrantids are one of the recurring meteor showers that are visible at the same time each year, alongside the Geminid in December and Perseids in August.
Where to observe to fully enjoy the spectacle of shooting stars?
To make the most of this celestial spectacle, it is advisable to move away from sources of light pollution, the sources of which are numerous in large cities. The best viewing conditions are expected in the south-eastern quarter of France.
The brightness of the Moon being significant at the start of the week, it risks somewhat hindering the observation of the weakest meteors. Despite everything, the show promises to be grandiose.
How to observe the shower of shooting stars?
Observation with the naked eye is entirely possible and does not require any special equipment.
- Sit comfortably outsidein a place offering a clear view of the entire celestial vault
- Dress warmly and bring a deck chair or a reclining deckchair to have your back well supported and your neck comfortable
- Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for 20 to 30 minutes before starting the observation
- Scan the entire skypaying particular attention to the constellation Bouvier from which the radian of the Quadrantids seems to come
- The shower of shooting stars is more intense before moonrisetherefore favor observations until midnight
- Armed with patience, wait for the appearance of the light trails while trying to retrace their trajectory to go back to their origin
Where do shooting stars come from and what are they made of?
Shooting stars are caused by the entry into the earth’s atmosphere of small dust (the size of a grain of sand) resulting from the disintegration of comets or asteroids.
The Quadrantids take their name from the extinct constellation of Quadrant Murallocated near the Bouvier constellation. They come from the remains of comet 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003.
When they enter the atmosphere a speed of 50,000 to 250,000 km/hthe dust particles are strongly compressed and heated, causing their combustion and the characteristic light trail of shooting stars.
Shooting stars, simple dust, should not be confused with meteorites which are much larger objects and can survive their passage through the atmosphere.
Next celestial meeting
The next expected shower of shooting stars will be that of the Minorids γ-Ursae, visible from January 19. By then, enthusiasts will have been able to admire the grandiose spectacle offered by the Quadrantids in the January sky. See you on the night of January 3 to 4 for a memorable experience!
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