Quadrantids 2028
A brief but intense January peak, rich in bright blue meteors, though the maximum is only a few hours wide.
Maximum: January 3, 2028 Active: Dec 28 – Jan 12 Sharp peak: timing matters
Viewing from New York
The Quadrantids reach maximum on January 3, 2028, with a peak rate of up to 80 meteors per hour under ideal dark skies (active Dec 28 – Jan 12). The Moon is out of the way for most of the peak night, leaving dark skies. A favourable year. This is a sharp maximum only a few hours wide, so the exact night and time matter: check the timing for your own location before heading out.
Nominal ZHR
80/hr
Moon
45% First Quarter
Moon interference
Minimal (good)
Moon conditions computed for New York, 2028.
About the Quadrantids
Active
Dec 28 – Jan 12
Radiant (J2000)
15h 20m, +49°
Velocity
41 km/s
Nominal ZHR
80 / hour
Population index
r = 2.1
Parent body
Asteroid 2003 EH1 (possibly comet C/1490 Y1)
The date of maximum is taken from the IMO Working List of Visual Meteor Showers; the radiant, velocity and parent body come from the IAU Meteor Data Center. Only the Moon phase and interference are computed for the year and location shown.