Dubai’s stargazers can treat themselves to the New Year’s first celestial display – the Quadrantids Meteor Shower – on January 3.
The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), which has arranged a special event to witness the spectacle, said this is not only the first meteor shower of the year but also the last major meteor event until August 2025. While smaller meteor showers occur throughout the year, the Quadrantids, Perseids and Geminids (in August and December) are among the most vibrant and consistent showers.
What happens during this shower?
What happens during the Quadrantids Meteor Shower is that small particles from the asteroid 2003 EH1 burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, producing bright streaks of light across the sky. This shower is charcterised by its bright, blue-tinged meteors with occasional fireballs.
According to DAG, meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the debris trail left by a comet or asteroid. In the case of the Quadrantids, Earth encounters the remnants of 2003 EH1, an asteroid-like object believed to be a dormant comet. As these particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of over 40 km/s, they vaporise, creating the stunning streaks of light we observe.
Timing is the key
The Quadrantids take place annually in early January. However, unlike other showers, its peak activity lasts only a few hours. So timing is key to get the best views.
DAG said the Quadrantids meteor shower gets its name from an obsolete constellation called Quadrans Muralis (Latin for “Mural Quadrant”), which was created in 1795 by the French astronomer Jérôme Lalande. The constellation represented a wall-mounted astronomical instrument used for observing stars.
Quadrans Muralis is not an official constellation (it was removed from the list when the International Astronomical Union established the 88 modern constellations in 1922), the meteor shower’s radiant point—where the meteors appear to originate—still lies in the area of the sky where Quadrans Muralis once existed, said DAG.
This spot is near the boundary of the modern constellations Boötes, Draco and Hercules, the group said, adding, despite the constellation’s removal, the Quadrantids meteor shower continues to honour its historical name, preserving a link to the past.
Discovery of the Quadrantids
The Quadrantids meteor shower was first observed in 1825 by the Italian astronomer Antonio Brucalassi. He reported seeing “a shower of meteors radiating from the Boötes region” in early January.
The shower’s name came from its radiant point being located in the now-defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis.
The first systematic study of the Quadrantids was conducted later in the 19th century when astronomers began cataloging and monitoring meteor showers for patterns.
In 1922, the International Astronomical Union officially dropped Quadrans Muralis as a constellation, but the meteor shower retained the name.
The Quadrantids will peak between 12:00 AM and 2:00 AM on January 3, 2025, offering the best chance to see up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
DAG’s viewing event
What: Quadrantids meteor shower with up to 120 meteors per hour in clear, dark skies
When: Night of January 3 up until early hours of January 4
Where: Where: Al Qudra Desert – Dubai
How to view: With naked eye. No special equipment is needed. Telescopes will be provided.
Tip: Allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Lie back, relax, and scan as much of the sky as possible to maximize your chances of spotting meteors.
