Don’t Miss This Meteor Shower Over Upstate New York First in 2025

Ready to kick off 2025 with something spectacular? The Quadrantid meteor shower is coming to light up the night sky, and Upstate New Yorkers are in for a treat.

This annual meteor shower is known for its fireballs and those extra-bright meteors that make stargazing feel magical.

The peak of the Quadrantids will happen late on January 3rd into the early hours of January 4th, 2025. Here’s the catch: this shower is a bit of a show-off with a short window of maximum activity, so you’ll want to plan. If the skies are clear, you might see up to 120 meteors per hour.

To get the best view, find a spot far from city lights. The Adirondacks, Catskills, or even a quiet field in the Finger Lakes are all great options. Bundle up, it’s January, after all, and bring a cozy blanket or a chair to recline in. Let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 20 minutes, and then look toward the northeastern sky. The meteors will seem to radiate from an area near the Big Dipper.

Good news: the moon will be a waning crescent this year, meaning it won’t wash out the meteors. So, grab some friends and hot cocoa, and head out for a night under the stars. The Quadrantids are the perfect way to start the New Year with a little wonder.