Don't Miss Out! Catch the Last Glimmers of the Quadrantid Meteor Shower in Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver residents eager to witness the final moments of the Quadrantid meteor shower are in luck! While the main peak of this dazzling celestial event occurred on Friday, January 3, at 8 a.m., there are still chances—albeit limited—to spot some meteors in the coming days.

Rosanna Tilbrook, an expert astronomer from the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, shared insights with V.I.A. about this year’s meteor shower. Despite the bright morning sky obscuring the best views, just before the peak—as early as 6 a.m.—spectators may have had the chance to see around 100 meteors per hour, assuming weather conditions were favorable.

The good news is that opportunities remain to catch some of the shooting stars tonight, January 6, and in the following days. However, Tilbrook cautions that the intensity of the shower diminishes significantly after the peak. "Within just six hours post-peak, the rate drops by about half. In contrast, other meteor showers, like the renowned Perseids in August, typically allow for multiple nights of peak activity,” she explained.

Perfect Viewing Conditions Tonight!

According to the Downtown Centre Weatherhood station, Monday's forecast is promising with mostly clear skies, following a bright, sunny day. Expect temperatures to reach a high of 8°C and drop to around 3°C overnight, with a 76% chance of light showers on Tuesday.

For those hoping to catch some shooting stars, Tilbrook advises heading outside just before dawn when conditions are optimal—this is when the radiant point (the source from which meteors appear to emerge) will be at its highest in the sky. Skywatchers might be able to see one or two meteors every minute if the skies remain clear and dark.

As Earth moves into the meteor stream, the chances of spotting these heavenly bodies increases, although meteors can also appear at angles throughout the night. To fully appreciate this spectacle, escaping the city’s light pollution is essential. Darker environments significantly enhance the experiencing of meteor watching.

If you're looking for optimal viewing locations close to the city, consider visiting places like Spanish Banks, Point Grey, Burnaby Mountain, or McDonald Park.

Don’t Wait Too Long!

With the Quadrantid meteor shower expected to continue until about January 16, now is the time to enjoy what remains of this winter wonder. Gather some friends, head out into the night, and remember to look up—who knows what cosmic surprises await!