Quadrantids Meteor Shower · 2026
Quadrantids Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids open the meteor year with one of the sharpest peaks of any shower, lasting only a few hours on the night of Jan 3-4, 2026. NASA notes that under perfect conditions observers can see 60 to as many as 200 meteors per hour, though real-sky counts run far lower. The meteors trace back to asteroid 2003 EH1, a possible 'rock comet.' For an RV traveler, the catch in 2026 is a full Moon at peak that washes out all but the brightest fireballs.
Peak & active window
Peak night of Jan 3-4, 2026 (sharp maximum, only a few hours); active Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 16, 2026
Rate & parent body
60 to as many as 200/hr under perfect conditions; far fewer in real skies · Parent body: asteroid 2003 EH1 (a possible 'rock comet') · Sharp few-hour peak · Full-moon washout in 2026
Where to watch
Any dark, low-light-pollution site with a wide-open northern and overhead view works; the Quadrantid radiant climbs higher after midnight.
Nearest RV base
Cherry Springs State Park, PA - the Rustic Campground runs mid-April through late-October, so in January this is a day-use / event-only dark-sky destination; the nearest year-round RV base is a private campground in the Coudersport / Potter County area outside the park. Plan a warm-weather Perseids trip here instead.
Watch it honestly
The 60-200/hr figure is an ideal-condition maximum, not what you will actually count - the January 2026 full Moon, clouds, and any light pollution cut the real rate sharply. No telescope is needed; lie back with a wide view of the sky and give your eyes 20-30 minutes to fully dark-adapt. The peak is brief, so timing is everything and a clear sky is never guaranteed.
Confirm the peak timing and conditions with the source: NASA - Quadrantids .