The Quadrantids are a prolific meteor shower lasting from the 1st to the 6th of January each year. Their peak is typical around the 4th of January with a rate of 120 meteors per hour and an average velocity of 41 km/s. The radiant of Quadrantids is located close to the constellation Boötes (not far from the Big Dipper), even if the name Quadrantids comes from the now-defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis.
The source of the meteor shower is particles of dust shed by the asteroid 2003 EH1, which in turn may be related to the comet C/1490 Y1.
This year the brightness of the Moon has en effect on the observation of this phenomenon during the first days of the event. Nevertheless, we will have the opportunity of enjoying the Quadrantids between the 4th and the 5th of January before 9pm, since our Moon rises approximately 50 minutes later every day.
