Quadrantid meteor shower strikes TONIGHT with 120 shooting stars an hour

A display of 120 shooting stars could strike tonight and Thursday as a Quadrantids meteor shower is set to light up the sky.

The Quadrantids are a meteor shower that peaks in early January and is associated with the EH1 - an asteroid, classified as near-Earth object.

Showers happen when dust or particles from asteroids or comets enter Earth's atmosphere at a very high speed.

According to EarthSky, EH1 takes about 5.5 years to orbit around the Sun.

Showers happen when dust or particles from asteroids or comets enter Earth's atmosphere at a very high speed

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This year's shooting star extravaganza is expected to be visible from tonight.

But it will not reach its peak until the early hours of January 4.

Experts suggest the optimum time to see the "blazing" meteor shower is 4.53am EST from North America.

The huge shower could light up the sky with up to 120 meteors per hour.

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Live Science explained that residents in North America should look for Quadrantids earlier at night.

They added that the shower will be tricky to spot with binoculars or a beginner's telescope.

In order to watch the display, the group suggest using the naked eye and geographic location to take advantage.

Nasa advises people to find an area away from the city or street lights.

Live Science explained that residents in North America should look for Quadrantids earlier at night

NASA

A spokesperson said: "Come prepared for winter weather with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.

"Lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible.

"In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors."

The Quadrantids are a meteor shower that peaks in early January