Astronomy lovers will have the chance to contemplate the Quadrantids, the first major meteor shower and one of the three most exciting meteor showers of the year, reaching its peak between nightfall and dawn on January 4.

Astronomy lovers will have the chance to contemplate the Quadrantids, the first major meteor shower and one of the three most exciting meteor showers of the year, reaching its peak between nightfall and dawn on January 4. 

The spectacle is usually observed from December 28, 2013 to January 12, 2014 and can produce 50 meteors per hour. 

Taking place at the beginning of the lunar month, moonlight does not impede observation, according to an officer of the Ho Chi Minh City-based Astronomy Club. 

Meteor showers can be seen with the naked eye without any harm. Observers are recommended to get to a place where city and artificial lights do not obstruct the viewing. 

The Quadrantids has an average rate varying from 30 to 40 meteors per hour in good weather. 

The shower owes its name to the defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis.