Quadrantid meteor shower — the first of 2025 — is set to peak early on Friday. During that time, the shooing stars won't be overshadowed by moonlight.

The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours, when the moon is low in the sky. Competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow — are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities.

The Quadrantids meteor shower is happening now and its peak, when it can produce up to 200 shooting stars an hour, is just around the corner. According to the American Meteor Society, the Quadrantids meteor shower began Dec. 26 and can be seen until Jan. 16, 2025. Here's what you should know about this celestial event.

The skyward show will produce many shooting stars from the evening of January 2 into the early morning hours of January 3—here’s how to make the most of the fleeting celestial event

Dec. 21 not only marks the start of winter, but the peak of the last meteor shower of the year. If you’re eager to bundle up and see the show, the Ursid meteor shower peaks on the night of Dec. 21 into the early-dawn hours of Dec. 22, according to EarthSky.

The last meteor shower of the year — the Ursids — peaks Sunday, a few days before Christmas. While usually not as bright as the Geminids, the Ursid meteor shower can yield surprises.