Final Chance to Witness Meteor Shower Known for ‘Fireballs’ in London
Don’t miss your last opportunity to catch the stunning meteor shower lighting up London skies
London, Meteor Shower, Fireballs, Astronomy, Boötes
London: This weekend is your last shot to see an amazing meteor shower famous for its bright fireballs. The Quadrantid meteor shower has been lighting up the sky since December 28, 2024.
It peaked on January 4, but you still have time to catch the show until January 12. At its best, you could see up to 120 meteors an hour, according to the Royal Museum Greenwich.
Even with all the city lights, you can still spot some meteors. Jessica Lee, an astronomy expert at Greenwich Observatory, mentioned that it’s all about timing. You need to be looking up at just the right moment.
If you can find a darker spot, like a park or your backyard, you’ll have a better chance. Just let your eyes adjust to the darkness for a bit, and you might see more than you expect.
To catch the meteors, look towards the northeast sky around 10:30 PM. They seem to come from the Boötes constellation, which will be rising at that time.
Jessica also shared some tips for stargazing. Make sure it’s dark, and give yourself time to adjust. If you’re in your garden, turn off any lights and just focus on the sky for 10 to 15 minutes.
Some great spots to watch the meteors include Primrose Hill in West London and One Tree Hill Park in Southeast London. Shooters Hill and Greenwich Observatory are also good choices.
Blythe Hill Fields in Lewisham is another top pick for stargazing. It’s high enough to escape much of the city’s light pollution and offers a nice view south towards Kent and Surrey.
So, what’s the deal with the Quadrantid meteor shower? Jessica explained that meteors are basically bits of debris from a comet. Each year, Earth passes through this debris field, and the tiny pieces burn up in our atmosphere, creating those beautiful streaks of light.
These meteors come from the asteroid 2003 EH1, which is why they’re known for their bright fireballs. As Earth moves through the debris, we see them as shooting stars coming from the Boötes constellation.
Tonight, the weather looks clear in London, so if you follow Jessica’s tips, you should have a good chance of seeing the meteors. However, the forecast for January 11 and 12 isn’t great, with clouds expected to cover the sky.
Want to stay updated on the latest stories from London? Sign up for MyLondon’s The 12 to get the biggest news delivered straight to your inbox.