Philippines first major meteor shower this year reaches peak today

MANILA, Philippines - Sky gazers can watch out for the Quadrantid meteor shower today.

 The Quadrantids, the first major meteor shower of 2016, will reach their peak today, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

 The annual Quadrantid meteor shower is usually visible from Jan. 1 to 7 and reaches its peak on Jan. 3 and 4, the weather bureau said.

 “The meteors or falling stars could be seen at the rate of at least 40 per hour,” PAGASA said.

 According to the website timeanddate.com, observers in the Philippines and other countries in the northern hemisphere can have the best view of the Quadrantids. The best time to view the Quadrantids is between nightfall and dawn.

 The meteors radiate from the constellation of Bootes.

 The Quadrantids are associated with asteroid 2003 EH, which takes about 5.5 years to orbit around the sun.