The statue at Edmonds Washington's public library. (photo: adamaecompton)
With all the hub-bub about 2012 being the end of the world, you might think it would be a great year for meteor showers… and you’re half right. There won’t be as many awesome shows this year as there have been in years past, but we WILL be starting out with a special bang: The Quadrantid shower is tonight!
You’re probably more familiar with the Leonid shower (in November) or the Geminid shower (in December) because they are often very showy. The Quadrantids are often spoiled by moonlight or poor shows. This year, though, the moon will set by 3AM, leaving the skies dark from then until the first light of dawn, around 6AM. If you live in the NorthEast United States, then you are in the best position to view the Quadrantids.
Now, all we need is for the weather to cooperate. Even if the skies are cloudy, you could still wish upon a falling star from about 3AM-6AM EST and probably have things work out just fine– as there are upwards of 120 falling stars each hour during the Quadrantid peak!
So, set the alarm, bundle up, and I’ll see you outside.
ada.mae.compton 
Don’t know if I can get my person out of bed for this, but she says she loves seeing meteor showers.