A meteor streaks across the sky in Kamloops in this undated photo.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Michelle Houle
December 31, 2024 - 6:00 AM
The weather should be decent for viewing the peak of a meteor shower in the Okanagan this week, but less so for viewers in Kamloops.
Considered by NASA to be one of the best meteor showers of the year, the Quadrantids are active between the end of December and the second week of January.
This year the shower reaches peak activity overnight between Jan. 2 and Jan. 3, when viewers can expect to see roughly 120 meteors per hour streak across the night sky travelling at 41 kilometres per second, according to NASA.
Quadrantids are known for their bright fireball meteors, which are larger and brighter explosions of light.
Meteors can be seen when Earth passes through a debris trail left by a comet or asteroid. When the bits of debris collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they disintegrate in flames.
Most meteor showers come from comets, however, the Quadrantids come from the asteroid called 2003 EH1.
Quadrantids appear to radiate from a constellation called Quadrans Muralis, that is no longer considered a constellation by the International Astronomical Union.
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The overnight weather forecast throughout the Okanagan on Jan. 2 is promising for night sky watchers, with periods of cloud expected.
Unfortunately for Kamloops viewers, cloudy skies and periods of snow are predicted during the meteor peak.
The best way to view meteor showers is to bundle up warmly, find a spot away from light pollution, and allow your eyes half an hour to adapt to the darkness.
If you get a great photo of a meteor you want to share, send it to news@infonews.ca.
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