About Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peak
The Quadrantids open the meteor year with a peak around January 3–4 — at their best they rival the Geminids with over 100 meteors per hour, but the peak window is famously short, just six hours or so. The countdown above targets the next peak night.
The shower radiates from the now-defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis (hence the odd name) near the Big Dipper's handle, and its parent body is the "rock comet" asteroid 2003 EH1. Northern-hemisphere observers with clear, dark January skies — and warm clothing — get the show; catching the narrow peak at the right local time is the whole game.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Sunday, January 3, 2027next |
| 2028 | Monday, January 3, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, January 3, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, January 3, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, January 3, 2031 |
FAQ
When do the Quadrantids peak?
Around January 3–4 each year — with an unusually narrow peak of about six hours, so timing matters.
How strong are the Quadrantids?
Up to 110 meteors per hour at the brief maximum under dark skies — among the year's strongest when timed right.
Why the strange name?
They radiate from Quadrans Muralis, a constellation dropped from official maps in 1922 — the shower kept the name.