Londoners will be able to see the first meteors of 2024 as the Quadrantid meteor shower will light up the sky when it reaches its peak.

The shower is to be among the strongest and most consistent and could reach a maximum rate of 110 meteors per hour.

The Quadrantid started its shower on 28 December 2023 and will last until 12 January, but on 3-4 January at around 12.53am it will reach its peak. 

What is the Quadrantids meteor shower?

Quadrantids are blue meteors with fine trains that appear to come from the constellation Bootes, near the Big Dipper according to the Royal Museum Greenwich.

Meteors are pieces of debris which enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 43 miles per second (70 kilometres per second), vaporising and causing the streaks of light we call meteors.

How to see the Quadrantid meteor shower in London

The Quadrantid meteor shower peak often takes place just before the full moon, which could cause the moonlight to interfere with the viewing of the shower.

You can see the shower with your naked eye but you'll want to head to a spot with little light pollution and that's high up, like a hill.

News Shopper: The Quandrantid meteor shower.The Quandrantid meteor shower. (Image: PA)

The best places to see the Quadrantid meteor shower in London

According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, they suggest that you'll want to be away from light pollution, best in a wide open space where you can see the night sky with your eyes.

Luckily, there are several spots in London perfect for those wanting to catch a glimpse of the Quadrantid meteor shower.

Here are some of the best places to view the shower:

  • Blackheath Common
  • Hampstead Observatory
  • Primrose Hill
  • Ruislip Lido
  • Royal Observatory Greenwich

What do astronomers advise when watching the Quadrantid meteor shower in London?

Astronomers advise lying on your back and using your eyes - no telescopes or binoculars - to watch a shower, as you want to see as much of the sky as possible.  

NASA has also recommended giving your eyes time to adjust to the dark - so going outside half an hour before the shower is due to start.

"Try to stay off of your phone too, as looking at devices with bright screens will negatively affect your night vision and hence reduce the number of meteors you see," the space agency posted in a blog.