Quadrantids, meteors from a non-existent constellation will illuminate the sky after the New Year – ČT24 – Czech Television

According to Suchan, Quadrantides are the first extraordinary phenomenon of the year in the sky. “They also have a high frequency, some 110 meteors per hour. But the year 2021 will be slightly problematic in that the Moon will rise, “said Suchan. According to him, the moon will come out at 9:00 around January 3.

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“So that’s why you need to look at them early, watch them when they get completely dark. Quadrantides have a radiant relatively low above the horizon, so they will see some after dark, “said Suchan. “But it certainly makes sense to look at the sky on January 3, and it fits in beautifully with the current measures, when he still can’t get out after nine,” he added. He also stressed that people have to go to places without light pollution, they will not see meteors from the city.

Stars from the canceled constellation

Radiant Quadrantid, the place where meteors seem to fly, is located on the border of the constellations Shepherd and Dragon. It was there that the constellation Wall Quadrant, after which the swarm got its name, used to be. However, the International Astronomical Union canceled this constellation in 1922.

The parent body of Quadrantide is probably a fragment of a comet that no longer exists. In 1490, it caused the meteor rain observed from the Chinese city of Qingyang, probably related to its extinction.

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According to astronomers, the year 2021 will bring particularly good conditions for observing the popular summer meteor shower Perseida. Their maximum will occur on the night of August 13, four days after the new one. So it won’t disturb the moon.

A major celestial event in 2021 will also be a partial solar eclipse visible from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. People will see him on June 10th.

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