đź’« Quadrantid Meteor Shower
January Meteor Shower
Date: Sunday 4 January 2026
Peak Visibility: 2am
Experience the meteor shower from your farm stay at Westerlands, a Dark Sky Reserve where the stars shine brightest. Book your stay and enjoy this rare celestial display.
January 2026
Quadrantid Meteor Shower
Why It’s Special
The Quadrantid meteor shower is one of the lesser-known but most intense annual showers, capable of producing over 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. In 2026, the shower will peak in the early hours of 4 January. Unlike the long activity period of the Perseids or Geminids, the Quadrantids have a very sharp peak — just a few hours long — making timing crucial. Their parent body is thought to be the asteroid 2003 EH1, a fragment of a comet that broke apart centuries ago. This year, the shower benefits from a waning crescent Moon, which will rise later in the night and give dark skies for much of the peak.
What You’ll Notice
At Westerlands, the radiant lies in the now-defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis, near Boötes and Draco, in the northeastern sky. The meteors become visible late at night, with the peak activity occurring between 2am and dawn on 4 January. Quadrantid meteors are known for being bright and often blue in colour, with some leaving long trails. However, because of the shower’s brief peak, missing the narrow window can mean seeing only a handful of meteors. For those who catch it, though, the Quadrantids can rival even the Perseids and Geminids in beauty.
Folklore & Tradition
Unlike the Perseids (“Tears of St. Lawrence”) or Geminids, the Quadrantids lack centuries of folklore, largely because the shower was only recognised in the early 19th century. Their name comes from the obsolete constellation Quadrans Muralis, the “Mural Quadrant,” which no longer appears on modern star maps. This gives the Quadrantids a slightly mysterious quality — a celestial relic tied to a forgotten piece of astronomical history. Today, they’re prized by dedicated skywatchers who know their fleeting nature makes them all the more special.
Seasonal Connection
In Sussex, the Quadrantids arrive in the very heart of winter, just after the turn of the year. The countryside is hushed and bare, often coated in frost, with long nights and short days. Venturing out into the cold darkness to watch meteors feels like a ritual of endurance — but the reward is seeing vivid streaks of light blaze across the winter sky. The Quadrantids embody a sense of renewal, appearing right after New Year as if to herald fresh beginnings written in sparks across the heavens.
Tips for Viewers
Best Viewing Time: The narrow peak occurs in the early hours of 4 January 2026, from about 2am to 7am.
Moonlight: The waning crescent Moon will rise late, offering mostly dark skies.
Location: A clear, open view to the northeast from Westerlands is ideal.
Preparation: Dress for deep cold — heavy coats, hats, gloves, and something to lie back on. The shower is brief, so patience and comfort matter.
The Quadrantids are a hidden treasure of the meteor calendar: fleeting, cold, and dazzling. For those willing to brave the frosty Sussex night, they bring a spectacular reward of light and colour at the year’s beginning.