Skywatchers are in for a treat as the first meteor shower of 2023 graces the night sky on January 3. The Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak, providing a mesmerizing show that can be observed until the early morning of January 4, weather permitting.

Renowned for its intensity and consistency, the Quadrantids could produce up to 110 meteors per hour at peak. These blue meteors, known for their fine trails, originate from the constellation Boötes, located near the Big Dipper.

As debris enters Earth’s atmosphere at incredible speeds of up to 43 miles per second (70 kilometers per second), it vaporizes, creating the luminous streaks we recognize as meteors. This spectacular event promises to captivate those who take the time to look up at the heavens.