Where and when to see the Quadrantids, the first meteor shower of 2025
Sky watchers get their first chance to spot shooting stars in 2025 as the Quadrantid meteor shower lights up dark winter skies this weekend.
NASA reports the shower offers prime viewing conditions this year, with a slim crescent moon only 11% full during peak activity.
What causes meteor showers
Earth's orbit passes through debris left by comets and asteroids several times yearly. When this space debris enters Earth's atmosphere, it encounters air resistance and burns up, creating the glowing trails known as "shooting stars."
Best viewing conditions
NASA scientist William Cooke notes these meteors often appear as bright fireballs, though without long trailing tails. The best viewing occurs in early predawn hours when the moon sits low.
Tips for watching
- Find a dark spot away from city lights
- Allow eyes to adjust by avoiding phone screens
- Look up toward the sky consistently
- Choose a cloudless night
- Watch during predawn hours
Next meteor shower
The Lyrid meteor shower will follow in mid-April, offering the next major opportunity to view shooting stars in 2025.
CORRECTION: This update corrects an earlier version of this story that used "waning" instead of waxing crescent moon.