Once in a while we’re lucky enough to be able to witness amazing phenomenons such as the recent Solar Eclipse. In fact, tonight is the perfect chance for you to watch our night skies light up. Tonight there will be an amazing meteor shower which is said to be one of the most intense ones!
The Quadrantids is a meteor shower that is famous for spitting out ‘fireball’ meteors. These then blaze through the night sky in a spectacular array of colour and brightness. We’ve just started the new year and already we have the chance to watch something so beautiful!
Moving on, the Quadrantids is actually a meteor shower that occurs every year between the end of December and the second week of January. This happens when leftover comet particles as well as asteroid pieces release a dusty trail. In fact, the dusty trail goes around the sun and Earth passes through it.
Furthermore, most meteor showers come from comets and have peak periods lasting for about two days. However, the Quadrantids actually originate from an asteroid. Asteroid 2003 EH1 to be specific.
Unfortunately, this means that the Quadrantids meteor shower only has a small peak period. While the event occurs over the span of about two weeks, it’s peak period is only just a few hours. So you’ve got to be ready to see it!
Thankfully, Malaysia actually has a prime spot this year to watch the meteor shower during its peak period. This will happen between 4am to 7am on Sunday, 5th of January. However, you should also be able to see the meteors from 11pm, 4th of January.
Make sure to find a secluded spot and keep your eyes peeled because you won’t want to miss this. According to NASA, it is considered to be one of the best annual meteor showers. That’s because it can produce over 100 meteors per hour!
We recommend you find a nice spot away from the city lights such as:
- Sekinchan, Selangor
- Pulau Redang, Kuala Terrenganu,
- Kudat, Sabah
- Cameron Highlands, Pahang
- Kuala Selangor
- Pulau Tioman
The aim is to find a place with the best view of the night sky with no light pollution. Make sure to stare at the sky for about 20 minutes to let your eyes adjust to the darkness first.
