TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks Sunday (Jan. 4), the Taipei Astronomical Museum (天文科學教育館) announced Friday (Jan. 2), marking the year's first major celestial event. Stargazers can see the best views after midnight until dawn, with an estimated zenithal hourly rate of 80 meteors. The shower opens Taiwan's 2026 astronomical calendar with potential for dramatic displays.
The museum said in a press release that observers may see only about 25 meteors per hour due to the moon's phase nearing full. Moonlight will obscure some fainter meteors, but the Quadrantid shower often features bright fireballs. These brilliant streaks provide dramatic viewing opportunities even under less-than-ideal lunar conditions, making the event worthwhile for dedicated stargazers across Taiwan.
The museum also highlighted that Jupiter reaches opposition on Saturday (Jan. 10), bringing the planet closest to Earth during its orbital cycle. Jupiter will shine at -2.7 magnitude, making it visible throughout the night from dusk until dawn. This alignment offers optimal viewing conditions for observing the solar system's largest planet from Taiwan.
The museum noted that viewers using binoculars can clearly see the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter. Observers with astronomical telescopes can also examine Jupiter's cloud band structures and its Great Red Spot. The planet's distinctive features, including its famous storm system, make it a popular target for amateur astronomers across Taiwan seeking detailed celestial observations.
