The Quadrantid meteor shower always starts the year for amateur skygazers, arriving annually on January 3 or 4. What is this year’s forecast for the Quadrantid shower? What are our chances for a spectacular 2013 Quadrantid meteor shower in Toronto?
Meet the Quadrantids
The Quadrantid meteor shower deserves an introduction for “where” and “when”.
Where to Look for the Quadrantids? What is the “Radiant”?
The Quadrantids seem to originate “below” the Big Dipper’s handle. So look to the north when this constellation, also known as Ursa Major, is high in the sky.
Once you locate the Big Dipper, visually follow the first two stars in the “handle” that attach to one corner of the “bucket”. Double that distance and you should be looking directly at the “radiant” from which the meteors would seem to originate.
If you follow the curve of the Big Dipper’s handle, the rather bright star Arcturus is a bit farther away. If you can visualize a right-angle triangle among Arcturus, the Big Dipper’s handle/bucket star, and the Quadrantid’s radiant, you have the picture.
When do the 2013 Quadrantids Peak?
Peak activity for the Quadrantid meteor shower always comes when its radiant is at zenith, at its highest point in the night sky.
Unlike some meteor showers, peak activity for the Quadrantid meteors only lasts a few hours. The 2013 Quadrantids are expected to peak over western North America at about 5am on Jan. 3. Those in Vancouver have a good shot at enjoying the Quadrantids in 2013 if they avoid fog or clouds early Thursday.
If this meteor shower is “delayed” a bit, eastern Asia should experience peak activity early in the morning of Jan. 4, 2013.
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(Updated Jan. 3, 2013): The overnight and morning snowfall in Toronto eliminated any chance I had to see the Quadrantids in 2013, although I was awake in plenty of time.
Do I Need Binoculars or a Telescope to Watch a Meteor Shower?
No, there’s no need for a telescope or binoculars to watch for meteors. In fact, you’re better off using your naked eyes (with corrective prescription lenses if you wear glasses or contacts), because you can see a wider area of the night sky. You can also glance over much, much faster than if you had to slew the binoculars to spot the meteor’s trail.
The only special equipment is an alarm clock and warm clothing. I like Roots clothing for Canadian men & women, and recently found the Roots USA site for Americans looking for outdoor apparel.
Since you need to look north, Toronto residents should plan to head north if possible; at least, try to eliminate street lights and skyscrapers from your field of view.
Learn More about the Quadrantid Meteor Shower
Today I used EarthSky‘s “Everything you need to know: Quadrantid meteor shower” for reference.
Looking for More Annual Toronto Events?
Last year the Quadrantid meteor shower counted as a winter event in Toronto, since peak activity was forecast for our skies. For 2013, it’s rather unlikely to expect Quadrantids in Toronto. But I do try to note Toronto events in this blog.
Check the “annual events” or “Toronto events” categories toward the end of the left-hand menu for other fascinating, free or frugal annual events in Toronto.
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