WASHINGTON — The Quadrantid meteor shower is set to peak on Friday, marking the first opportunity of the year to witness fireballs streaking across the sky.

With a waning crescent moon positioned favorably, viewers can expect good visibility under optimal dark and clear conditions. Interestingly, unlike most meteor showers named after existing constellations, the Quadrantids derive their name from a constellation that is no longer recognized, according to NASA's William Cooke.

During its peak, up to 120 meteors per hour may be observed as these meteors typically present as bright fireballs rather than trails. The Quadrantids provide a captivating display until January 16, offering insight into one of the year’s astronomical highlights.

The origins of the Quadrantids can be traced back to debris shed by the asteroid 2003 EH1. As this space debris enters Earth’s atmosphere, it encounters resistance, heating up and burning up, often leaving behind the characteristic glow that we see in the form of "shooting stars." Special viewing equipment is unnecessary; all you need is a location away from city lights.

The prime time to observe these meteors is during the early predawn hours. It’s essential to avoid competing light sources—be it the moon or artificial illumination. Observers are advised to seek out cloudless evenings with minimal moonlight for the best chances of witnessing this celestial event. The Quadrantids will peak under a slim crescent moon, just 11% full.

Following the Quadrantids, the next significant meteor shower will be the Lyrids, which peaks in mid-April.

For more details, see the full articles from Time, VOA News, and AP News.