Up to 200 meteors per hour: how to observe the shower of shooting stars, so the peak is expected this Wednesday

200 météores par heure pourraient ainsi défiler pendant six heures.  ILLUSTRATION DR

Pour les amoureux d'étoiles filantes, c'est la semaine à ne pas louper. Les Quadrantides sont de retour et devraient illuminer le ciel jusqu’au 5 janvier. 

This is the first shower of shooting stars of the year: From January 1 to 5, the Earth encounters the Quadrantid swarm, coming from the comet Konzik-Peltier , explains the magazine Sciences et Vie.

And the peak of this shower of shooting stars is expected during the night of Wednesday January 3 to Thursday January 4. According to the International Meteorological Organization, 200 meteors per hour could pass by for six hours. 

Where to stand ?

Depending on where you are, viewing conditions may not be optimal, mainly due to overcast skies over a large part of the country . The inhabitants of the south-eastern quarter should be the most privileged, indicates RTL. Another obstacle to the spectacle: the moon, which is entering its last crescent, and whose brightness could be annoying. 

To increase your chances, move away from light pollution and observe the sky before midnight, in the direction of the Bouvier constellation, which is located below the Big Dipper. No equipment is necessary, just your eyes, wide open, are enough.

If by chance you miss this spectacle, don't panic, an upcoming shower of shooting stars, the Minorids γ-Ursae, is expected from next January 19.& ;nbsp;