Ireland is set for its first meteor shower of 2025, with the magnificent Quadrantids Shower set to peak on Friday, just days after the country was greeted with a Northern Lights display.

Among the strongest and most consistent meteor showers, the Quadrantids meteor shower is set to deliver 20 to 30 meteors per hour under clear, dark skies at its peak.

The stunning display of fireballs will be viewable in areas that have low light pollution, but as the peak will occur just before the full moon, moonlight will cause a small bit of interference.

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NASA shared their sky watching tips for January 2025, giving Irish stargazers their best chance at spotting the dazzling show.

What is a meteor shower?

A meteor shower occurs several times a year when Earth passes through debris left by passing comets — and sometimes asteroids. The Quadrantids originate from debris from the asteroid 2003 EH1.

As these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, they encounter resistance from the air, become very hot, and eventually burn up. Sometimes the surrounding air glows briefly, leaving behind a fiery tail — the end of a "shooting star."

What are Quadrantids?

Quadrantids are blue meteors with fine trains that appear to come from the constellation Bootes, near the Big Dipper, the Daily Record reports.

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

How can I view a meteor shower?

The optimal time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours, when the moon is low in the sky. The main hindrances to a clear view of meteors are competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow. The best opportunities for viewing are on cloudless nights when the moon is at its smallest.

No special equipment is needed to view the various meteor showers that occur annually, just a location away from city lights. And remember, keep your gaze upwards, not downwards.

Your eyes will be better adapted to spot shooting stars if you aren’t constantly checking your phone. The Quadrantids will reach their peak on a night with a slim crescent moon, just 11 per cent full.

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