Shattered comet sparks weekend meteor shower

Most meteor showers are named after constellations and until about one hundred years ago there existed a constellation called Quadrans Muralis.

Unlike numerous other meteor showers, the Quadrantids have a very narrow window of viewing from dusk Sunday, to dawn Monday.

National Geographic reported, "Peak rates this morning will range anywhere from 60 to 120 shooting stars per hour from a dark location".

Tonight's Quadrantid meteor shower promises a spectacle for those of us lucky enough to be in the right latitude at the right time.

To see the shooting stars, look to the northeast after midnight for the Big Dipper.

If you can't see the meteor shower - or don't want to courageous the cold - you can always turn to Slooh's live broadcast.

The Quadrantid meteor shower is the first astronomical spectacle of the year.

The timing of the Quadrantids during the depths of chilly winter in the northern hemisphere, which is where this meteor shower is best visible, means that the weather conditions are often uncooperative.

Variously described as both a minor planet, a dead comet, or an asteroid, the existence of 2003 EHI was first theorized in 1997, but it wasn't until 2003 on Christmas Eve that astronomers were finally able to confirm it by catching a glimpse.

The Quadrantids peak in early January each year, NASA explained, and "are considered to be one of the best annual meteor showers".

Well, the debris the mysterious object known as 2003 EHI leaves behind makes up the meteors of the Quadrantid meteor shower. Compared to the standard meteoroids, they are somewhat sturdier and, therefore, are likely to burn brighter with longer trails. What we now see burning up in the form meteors is pieces from this rocky body.

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