The shooting stars streaking across the dark Southern California sky from the annual meteor shower will be at their strongest over the next two days. The best viewing begins Friday morning and continues Saturday, according to astrologers.
The annual Quadrantids meteor shower will reach maximum visibility, especially in the Northern Hemisphere with less than 25 stars per hour, according to Ed Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory.
“You're going to need a little patience because that translates into one every few minutes,” Krupp said. “They're not organized and they don't run against the clock, but when they show up, people enjoy it.”
When the meteor shower will be most visible varies by region.
Krupp said Southern California's highest visibility will occur Friday night into Saturday morning, from about midnight to 5:30 a.m., possibly 6 a.m.
Around 10 p.m., you can find a meteor shower by finding the constellation Boötes, which Krupp says can be seen looking to the northeast.
By 3 a.m., the showers will be overwhelming, Krupp said.
The director said that binoculars or a telescope are not necessary and are a potential obstacle because they limit the field of view of the star.
“The best viewing is done with just your eyes, which provide a great CinemaScope view,” Krupp said.
Recommended for best viewing is to find a dark place away from cities and light pollution. NASA suggests that those going outdoors should pack winter weather gear and sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair.
Krupp suggested that a view of the desert would be good.
The American Meteor Society predicts the shower will be at its heaviest at 9:45 a.m. Friday, ie Pacific island communities can probably enjoy a better show.
The source of the meteor shower is unclear, according to Krupp.
Asteroid 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003 by research scientist Peter Jenniskens, is believed to be behind shooting stars.
Krupp said it is uncertain whether 2003 EH1 is actually a comet or a “comet,” meaning a celestial body that has lost ice and volatile gas that creates the glowing tail.
Since the best views are away from cities and lights, Krupp said the observatory hosts special events.
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