Residents of Kirov Oblast will be able to see the Quadrantids meteor shower.
On the night of January 3–4, the peak activity of one of the brightest annual meteor showers — the Quadrantids — is expected. The shower can be observed from late December through mid-January, but its peak falls on the night from Saturday to Sunday — up to 110 meteors per hour.
The Quadrantids are named after the constellation Quadrans Muralis (the Mural Quadrant), which is no longer used in modern astronomy. The stream’s radiant is now located in the constellation Boötes, and the shower itself is associated with the asteroid 2003 EH1, which scientists believe may be an extinct comet.
The best time to observe is in the second half of the night, when the radiant rises high above the horizon. It is recommended to look toward the northeast. Meteors are visible to the naked eye; no telescopes or binoculars are required — a dark sky and an open horizon are sufficient.
However, in 2026 observing conditions will not be the most favorable: the Moon will be full and will heavily brighten the sky, which may significantly reduce meteor visibility.
On the public page "Amateur Astronomy in Kirov," people are advised to give their eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness and to hope for clear skies.
Другие Новости Кирова (НЗК)
Residents of Kirov Oblast will be able to see the Quadrantids meteor shower.
On the night of January 3 to 4, residents of Kirov Oblast will be able to see the peak of the Quadrantids meteor shower.
