Quadrantids 2026: night of January 3/4 – when and where to watch?
The Quadrantids are the first major meteor shower of the calendar year and one of the strongest — at their peak they can produce around 80 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, their maximum is exceptionally brief, lasting only a few hours, which makes timing more important here than with other showers.
Also check the meteor shower calendar and the 2026 astronomical events calendar.
2026 Meteor Shower Calendar
Compare peak dates, shower activity, Moon conditions and the best observing nights in Poland.
View the meteor calendar
2026 Astronomical Events Calendar
Check the most important sky events month by month and plan your observations in advance.
View the events calendarQuadrantids 2026 – key information
Quadrantids 2026 — key facts at a glance
The overview below brings together the key information needed to plan your observation: date, conditions, location and practical preparation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When are the Quadrantids in 2026?
The Quadrantids are active for a short period around the turn of December and January, but their maximum is extremely narrow — lasting only a few hours. In 2026, the key night is January 3/4. Because the peak is so brief, timing is crucial — even a difference of a few hours can mean much lower activity.
Where should you look for the Quadrantids?
The Quadrantids’ radiant lies in the area of the former constellation Quadrans Muralis, which is no longer officially recognized, and is now near the boundary between Boötes and Draco. It appears low above the north-eastern horizon in the evening and higher toward morning. It is best to observe a broad area of the sky rather than looking directly at the radiant.
Will the Moon interfere in 2026?
In 2026, the full Moon coincides with the Quadrantids’ peak and will be visible throughout the night, so conditions will be difficult. The brief peak further limits the chance of choosing a darker window; it is best to block the Moon with a terrain feature and focus on brighter meteors.
What are the Quadrantids and where do they come from?
The Quadrantids are one of the few meteor showers whose source is an asteroid rather than a comet — 2003 EH1. Scientists suspect that this object may be a so-called extinct comet, meaning a former cometary nucleus that has lost most of its volatile material. Earth passes through the stream of particles it left behind every year around the turn of December and January.
How to prepare for the Quadrantids in 10 minutes
- Dress very warmly — this is one of the coldest meteor showers of the year, so you will need layers, a hat and gloves.
- Check the exact predicted peak time before setting out — the brief peak requires precise planning.
- Choose a location with a wide view of the north-eastern and eastern sky.
- Bring a hot drink — winter observing means spending a longer time outdoors.
- Check the cloud forecast on the live storm and precipitation radar.
How to photograph the Quadrantids?
A tripod, a wide-angle lens, manual focus set to infinity and a sequence of multiple exposures are the basics. In winter, it is also worth protecting your equipment from condensation and carrying spare, fully charged batteries — they lose capacity much faster in freezing temperatures. Find more tips in the guide to photographing the night sky and stars.
NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
How to photograph the night sky and meteors?
Learn about camera settings, lens choice, manual focusing and shooting a sequence of multiple exposures.
January is also a good time to observe the northern lights — check the aurora radar as well.
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Aurora radar
Check current space-weather parameters, the aurora forecast and conditions for selected locations.
Frequently asked questions about the Quadrantids
When are the Quadrantids in 2026?
The peak falls on the night of January 3/4, 2026. The activity peak is very brief, lasting only a few hours.
How many meteors can you see during the Quadrantids?
Under ideal conditions and at the peak, the ZHR can reach around 120 meteors per hour.
Why is the Quadrantids peak so short?
The stream of particles left by asteroid 2003 EH1 is narrow, so Earth crosses its densest part in just a few hours.
Where do the Quadrantids come from?
Their source is asteroid 2003 EH1, probably an extinct cometary nucleus.
Where should you look to see the Quadrantids?
The radiant lies near the boundary between Boötes and Draco, but it is best to watch a broad area of sky rather than looking directly at the radiant.
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Continue reading: more meteor showers and tools
Compare nearby showers, check the Moon phase and prepare your camera before the next observing night.
Ursids 2026
Check the previous shower in the annual calendar, including its peak, Moon conditions and the best observing hours.
View the previous showerLyrids 2026
Go to the next shower and plan the location, observing time and an alternative night in case of cloud cover.
View the next shower
2026 Moon Phases
Compare the shower peak with the full Moon, new Moon, moonrise and moonset times before choosing your observing night.
Check the Moon phasesHow to photograph the night sky and meteors
Camera and phone settings, tripod, focus, ISO, exposure time and preparing a sequence of meteor photographs.
Open the photography guide