The first meteor shower of 2024 is the Quadrantid meteor shower, which is predicted to reach peak activity at 10:00 UTC on 4 January.
That means tonight, 3 January and through to dawn tomorrow is the best time to see a Quadrantid meteor.
The Quadrantid shower has a high peak rate of meteors. Its zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) is 120 meteors per hour, although this is really an illustrative figure and assumes ideal observing conditions. In reality, you'll see fewer.
Still, if meteor showers are your thing, seeing the Quadrantid meteor shower tonight could be the best way of kicking off stargazing in 2024.
Scroll down for our top tips and read our guide to find out when the next meteor shower is happening.
For the full picture, read Pete Lawrence's fantastic guide to the Quadrantid meteor shower.
Quadrantid meteor shower top tips
Quadrantid meteors appear to emanate from the region bounded by constellations Draco, Boötes and Hercules. (this is known as the radiant).
The best time to see the 2024 Quadrantid meteor shower is late tonight, 3 January until dawn on 4 January.
Observe meteor showers with the naked eye: binoculars and telescopes will narrow your field of view.
Find a dark, unobstructed observing site and observe in periods no shorter than 30 minutes.
Wrap up warm: it is January, after all!
Use a reclining chair or sunlounger to look up for long periods without straining your neck
It will take 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to dark, after which you'll be able to see more stars and, hopefully, more meteors
Avoid using lights like as torches and mobile phones: this spoils your adapted night vision.
Use a red torch or turn your phone's screen red in the settings.
Use a star chart or stargazing app to find Draco, Boötes, Ursa Major and Hercules.
If see a meteor shooting away from this region, chances are you've seen a Quadrantid.
This guide originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
