Quadrantids

[kwo-dran-tidz]

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a collection of meteors comprising a meteor shower Quadrantidmeteorshower visible around January 31 and having its apparent origin in the constellation Boötes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Quadrantids¹

1875–80; < New Latin Quadrant- (stem of Quadrāns, in Quadrāns ( Mūrālis ) (mural) quadrant, obsolete constellation name) + -id ¹ + -s ³

Example Sentences

The annual Quadrantids meteor shower will hit peak visibility, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere with around 25 meteors per hour, according to Ed Krupp, director of Griffith Observatory.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The radiant for the Quadrantids is in the former constellation of Quadrans Muralis - hence the shower's name - close to the Plough.

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The Quadrantids are known for their active peak which can reach a rate of up to 120 meteors per hour for a short period.

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The Quadrantids get their name from their apparent point of origin in the sky, the former constellation Quadrans Muralis, and will have a blue or yellow-white tinge with fine trails.

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The Geminids and Quadrantids displays come around in December and January respectively.

Read more on Salon