How to Catch Quadrantids, First Meteor Shower of 2025

This 1825 etching shows an astronomical chart depicting Bootes the Ploughman holding a spear, a sickle, and two dogs, Asterion and Chara, on leashes, a quadrant, and the hair of Berenice forming the constellations. Sidney Hall/Library of Congress via AP

WASHINGTON—When the Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on Friday, it will be the year’s first chance to see fireballs in the sky.

A waning crescent moon means good visibility under clear and dark conditions.