To start the new year right, star gazers and sky watchers will be treated to the first meteor shower for the year called the Quadrantid meteor shower.

This particular meteor shower will be highly visible in the northern hemisphere this weekend and when there's clear skies, viewing the falling stars can be most optimal for those who wants to wish upon a star for the new year.

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Meteor showers are usually named after their origins however what makes this shower unique is that there is no constellation named after Quadrans, at least not yet. In 1922, there was one called Quadrans Muralis but later changed to constellation Bootes.

What makes this meteor shower a worthy night sky event for star gazers is, it is one of the most visible showers of the year. However,  perfect spot is essential for viewing this brilliant event as well as perfect timing and better viewing weather condition.

NASA describes the Quadrantid as bright fireball meteors as fireballs often consist of bigger and birghter explosions of colorful display of lights that happens longer than an average meteor streak. Fireballs are made from different materials that makes this event a dazzling show that are also brighter than regular meteors that measures a magnitude brighter than -3.

The Quadrantid meteor show will be visible during early morning hours on Saturday and Sunday as it begins around midnight and peaks at 3 A.M. until sunrise. However, a bright moon may affect sky watchers' view that will make less bright meteors seem dim but of course, the brightest ones will still be visible.

Not everyone across the globe can witness the quadrantids though, location is also pivotal in order to see them. The meteor shower will apparently be visible only in the northern hemisphere of the planet.

NASA recommends to leave the city and proceed to a darker location away from any urban lights. A sleeping bag or a reclining chair can also allow a more comfortable position to view the meteor shower for an extended period. Looking northeast upwards to the skies and seeing the expanse is the best way to do it, and in less than 30 minutes in the dark, the eyes will adapt and the meteors will be seen even more.

TagsHow to Watch the First Meteor Shower of the New Year, new year meteor shower, meteor shower, NASA, Quadrantid meteor shower