At a Glance

The Quadrantid meteor shower is best known for its fireballs. The lights from this meteor shower last longer than others.

The Quadrantid meteor shower, a favorite among skywatchers for its exploding fireballs in light and color, peaks tonight.

The best viewing conditions will be in the central states, with mainly clear skies from North Dakota and Minnesota to Texas, according to weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce.

Portions of the Gulf Coast states, Northwest and Southwest may also have decent viewing conditions, but cloud cover will obscure any view of the sky in the Northeast, Great Lakes and northern and central California, Dolce said.

A fireball from the Quadrantid meteor shower streaks through the sky.

(NASA)

Though the Quadrantids’ lights last longer than other meteor showers, the phenomenon itself is much shorter,, according to NASA.

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, which astronomers believe is an extinct comet, meaning all of its ice and dust have evaporated, according to Space.com.

The shower’s peak is typically six hours long and it’s expected to hit maximum activity around 9 a.m. Eastern Time, Space.com also reports. This year average rates of 120 meteors per hour are expected.

Because there is no moonlight to obstruct the shower, this may be one of the best meteor displays of the year.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: Meteor Showers