Quadrantid Meteor Shower 2026: When It Peaks, How To Watch and Tips To Witness Year’s 1st Celestial Displays in India and the World
In 2026, the Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of January 3 and the early morning of January 4, offering a brief but intense window for stargazers to witness up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This composition results in larger fragments of debris entering Earth's atmosphere, which often creates "fireballs", meteors that appear brighter and last longer than average streaks of light.
Mumbai, December 29: The first major celestial event of 2026 is set to arrive this week as the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its annual peak. Known for producing bright fireballs and a high volume of meteors, the Quadrantids meteor shower is often considered one of the strongest displays of the year.
In 2026, the Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of January 3 and the early morning of January 4, offering a brief but intense window for stargazers to witness up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Ursid Meteor Shower 2025: Date, Peak Time in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata; When, Where and How To Watch Final Shooting Stars in India.
What is the Quadrantid Meteor Shower?
The Quadrantids are unique among meteor showers because they originate from an asteroid rather than a comet. Astronomers believe the source is 2003 EH1, a "rock comet" that takes 5.5 years to orbit the sun. As Earth passes through the debris trail left by this asteroid, small fragments collide with our atmosphere at 41 kilometers per second, creating the glowing streaks we see as shooting stars.
The shower is also known for its "fireballs", large explosions of light and color that persist longer than an average meteor streak. Unlike the Perseids or Geminids, which have peaks lasting over a day, the Quadrantids’ peak intensity typically lasts only six hours due to the thinness of the debris stream. Festive Season Stargazing: Supermoons and Meteor Showers.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower: Peak Time
For 2026, the peak is forecast to occur around 21:00 UTC on January 3. For observers in North America, this favors the evening of January 3, while for those in Europe, Asia, and India, the best viewing window will be the pre-dawn hours of January 4.
A significant factor for 2026 is the lunar cycle. The moon will be in a full phase just a few days prior, meaning a bright waning gibbous moon will be present in the sky for much of the night. This natural light pollution may wash out fainter meteors, though the Quadrantids’ signature bright fireballs should still be visible.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower: How To Watch Across the World and India
The Quadrantids are primarily a Northern Hemisphere event because the radiant point, the spot in the sky where the meteors appear to originate, is located far to the north, near the constellation Boötes and the Big Dipper.
- Across the World:
High-latitude regions such as Canada, Scandinavia, and the Northern United States offer the best vantage points. Dark-sky reserves in the American Southwest or the Scottish Highlands are preferred for their lack of artificial light.
- In India:
In India, northern states offer the best visibility. High-altitude regions like Ladakh and Spiti Valley are the premier choices due to their thin atmosphere and clear skies. Other favorable spots include the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and the desert outskirts of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where the horizon is wide and unobstructed.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower: Tips For Viewing
To see the maximum number of meteors, experts recommend moving away from city lights to a rural area. Specialised equipment is not necessary; the human eye provides the widest field of view to catch fast-moving streaks.
Observers should allow at least 30 minutes for their eyes to adjust to the dark. This means avoiding looking at smartphone screens, which can disrupt night vision. Because the peak occurs in early January, dressing in multiple layers and using a reclining chair or a blanket to lie flat on your back is advised to avoid neck strain while staying warm.
Following the Quadrantids, the night sky enters a "meteor drought" that lasts for several months. No other major meteor showers are scheduled until the Lyrids in late April. This makes the January peak the final opportunity for several months for enthusiasts to view a high-rate celestial display. Regardless of the moonlight interference this year, the shower remains a priority for astronomers due to the high probability of seeing large fireballs.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2025 09:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).