The Quadrantid meteor shower runs from Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, through Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
getty
The first meteor shower of 2025 has the potential not only to be the best of the year but to feature blue-colored “fireballs,” according to scientists.
The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks on Friday night, January 3, 2025. It can feature up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
“The Quadrantids are known for their bright fireball meteors, which can appear blue,” said Dr. Shyam Balaji, an astroparticle physics and cosmology researcher at King’s College London, in an email. “This blue color is due to the high velocity of the meteors (about 41 km/s) and the presence of certain elements like magnesium and iron in the meteoroids, which emit blue light when they burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
According to the American Meteor Society, Quadrantids have the potential to be the strongest shower of the year,
When To See The Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peak
Dr. Balaji explained that the best time to view the Quadrantids will be from late night on January 3 to dawn on January 4, 2025. During this window, the radiant point below the Big Dipper between the constellations Boötes and Draco will be well-positioned in the northeastern sky.
Adding to the favorable conditions is the moon phase. On January 4, there will be a 16% illuminated waning crescent moon setting early, meaning a dark sky for most of the night.
How To See The Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peak
To catch the Quadrantids in their full glory, seek a dark location away from city lights. Dress warmly, as January nights can be chilly, and bring a reclining chair or blanket for comfortable stargazing. Patience is key; allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes.
According to NASA, here’s how best to approach meteor shower viewing:
Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the night sky.
Dress warmly — it may get freezing.
Be patient and watch for at least half an hour, preferably on a reclining chair or ground pad.
Do not try to use a telescope or binoculars — they significantly reduce your chances of seeing “shooting stars.”
Avoid looking at your cellphone or any other white light — it will instantly destroy your night vision. Use red light only.
Where To See The Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peak
Unlike most meteor showers named after constellations, the Quadrantids derive their name from the obsolete constellation called Quadrans Muralis. Its shooting stars and fireballs radiate from close to the end of the handle of the Big Dipper but can be seen anywhere in the night sky.
Their parent body is believed to be asteroid 2003 EH1, making the Quadrantids one of the few meteor showers originating from an asteroid rather than a comet.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
Get ready for a stunning display in the night sky as the annual meteor shower peaks this weekend. The Perseid meteor shower is set to dazzle stargazers with a special twist this year – blue fireballs will be lighting up the skies.
These blue fireballs are caused by larger fragments of debris entering the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, creating a bright and colorful show. The Perseids are known for their fast and bright meteors, making them one of the most popular meteor showers of the year.
So grab a blanket, find a dark spot away from city lights, and look up to the heavens to catch a glimpse of these mesmerizing blue fireballs streaking across the sky. Don’t forget to make a wish upon a shooting star and enjoy the celestial spectacle this weekend. Happy stargazing! #PerseidMeteorShower #BlueFireballs #Stargazing
Small business owners and sole traders face heightened stress during the festive season, impacting their well-being and personal time, as the UK’s Self-Assessment tax return deadline approaches, revealed Intuit QuickBooks.
With the January deadline for Self Assessment tax returns fast approaching, more than 12 million individuals are expected to file.
The period leading up to Christmas is said to be stressful for small business owners and sole traders, according to a study commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks and conducted by market researcher Censuswide in November 2024.
This survey of 2,000 consumers, required to complete a self-assessment, found that 63% experience stress during this time, with 28% sacrificing leisure time and 27% spending less time with friends and family.
The pressures of being a sole trader are significant, with the need to balance books, pay taxes promptly, and remain solvent in a challenging economic environment.
Intuit QuickBooks UK product compliance & programmes head Pauline Green said: “With 63% of people finding tax returns stressful and over half (55%) admitting they procrastinate, it’s no surprise that this time of year can feel overwhelming for small business owners.”
The toll on mental and physical well-being is considerable, with previous research indicating a 56% average increase in stress levels when recalling the Self-Assessment experience.
The same study, conducted in November 2023, highlighted that 22% of the 1,257 sole traders and small business owners surveyed reported sleep disruptions and negative impacts on their well-being.
During the last festive season, HMRC reported that more than 25,000 individuals filed their tax returns between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
The latest findings show that 11% use the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day to complete their Self Assessments.
To mitigate the mental health impact of these financial pressures, executive and leadership coach Jessica Rogers offers practical advice for maintaining financial health over this busy period.
Her key tips include scheduling tax preparation before 20 December, prioritising challenging tasks, taking regular breaks, seeking professional support, and utilising technology to streamline administrative tasks.
“Tax return filing stress peaks during festive season, says Intuit” was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Tax return filing stress peaks during festive season, says Intuit
According to a recent study conducted by Intuit, the stress levels related to filing tax returns tend to peak during the festive season. With the holiday season in full swing, many individuals find themselves juggling between shopping for gifts, attending parties, and making travel plans, all while trying to meet the deadline for filing their tax returns.
The study found that the combination of holiday festivities and the impending tax deadline can create a perfect storm of anxiety and stress for many people. In fact, nearly 70% of respondents reported feeling more stressed about filing their tax returns during the festive season compared to other times of the year.
To help alleviate some of this stress, Intuit recommends taking proactive steps to stay organized and on top of your tax filing responsibilities. This includes setting aside dedicated time to gather all necessary documents, seeking assistance from tax professionals if needed, and utilizing online tools and resources to streamline the filing process.
By staying organized and proactive, individuals can minimize the stress associated with filing their tax returns during the festive season and enjoy a smoother and more relaxed holiday season overall.
Baddies Midwest aired episode 10 of its sixth season this Sunday, Dec 29. It was yet another day of taking nominations, picking fights, and partying all night with the baddies in the house. With Natalie Nunn guiding the dynamic group of ladies through the state in her party bus, every day involves a new drama.
This is a show that covers the everyday drama, fights, parties, and alliances of a group of bold, beautiful, and dynamic ladies all living in the same house. Together, they collaborate with clubs to host promotional events and take over the mic with their amazing voices. As the ladies go through each day, some become friends while some get into catfights.
This Sunday, the ladies went to Chicago to take over a party. However, with elimination almost there, they had a tough talk where everybody conveyed their opinion on which cast member should leave the show. The baddies also got into a feud when ‘someone’ changed the name tags from the room doors and paired a few frienemies.
Let’s take a deep dive to know what exactly happened inside the baddie house yesterday.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Baddies Midwest Season 6 episode 10. Reader discretion is advised.
Baddies Midwest Season 6 Episode 10 recap
Like every episode, Baddies Midwest stars still shared an episode filled with much-anticipated drama over eliminations, a physical altercation between the cast members, and of course, a party to remember.
Dolly and Pretty P’s physical altercation
Just as the episode kicked off, Pretty P and Dolly began throwing their fists at each other. Though the two had nothing going on between them, Dolly’s support for Summer ignited this feud. While Pretty P came out winning the two rounds of the uncontrollable fight, Dolly injured her arm badly, and Ivori, another member of Baddies Midwest applauded Pretty for finally taking the stand.
Right after Dolly got her arm wrapped in a bandage, Natalie gathered the group and called out members who were considered ‘boring’ to turn up and prove why they deserved to stay. This ended with Emma and Scotlynd going against each other in a splits challenge.
As the ladies split up, Dolly asked Big Lex to leave her house as she was upset with her for not taking a stand for her during the fight. Though Lex tried to reason how the fight was about Summer, not Dolly, the Baddies Midwest star‘s anger didn’t settle down.
The elimination nominations
Right before leaving for Chicago after their last party in Cleveland, the Baddies Midwest OG, Natalie gathered everybody to ask for their opinion on the weakest member of the lot. Everybody was asked who they considered ‘boring.’ A few pointed out how Emma has issues back at home and she should go back for her family while others called Jazmin “a quiet performer.”
This is when Natalie revealed how the OGs would be traveling in a private jet to Cleveland and how they would decide which of the two is undeserving of another party with the baddies.
On their way to the next city, the OG of Baddies Midwestfavored Emma as her staying on the show could help her financially with her son’s medical bills. Though no decision was officially announced, Natalie did say she might give Emma another chance.
The name tag switch saga
The baddies got into yet another, more than a verbal argument after Natalie, along with other OG decided to switch a few name tags placed by the newbies in their Cleveland rental. They decided to put Ivori and Big Lex in one room. Upon knowing that, the two Baddies Midwest who do not share a sweet bond got into another physical altercation.
Watch the latest episode of Baddies Midweston The Zeus Network every Sunday.
Why did you not like this content?
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Edited by Priscillah Mueni
The tension is mounting and drama is reaching its peak as elimination looms over the crew. With each challenge becoming more intense and the stakes getting higher, alliances are forming and betrayals are emerging.
As the crew members fight for their spot in the competition, emotions are running high and tempers are flaring. The pressure to perform and avoid elimination is causing rifts within the group, leading to explosive confrontations and heated arguments.
With only a few spots left and the threat of elimination hanging over their heads, the crew must band together and support each other, or risk being sent home. Will they be able to put aside their differences and work as a team, or will the drama tear them apart?
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the crew battles it out to survive another day in the competition. Who will rise to the top and who will be sent packing? Only time will tell.
The annual Quadrantid meteor shower is set to peak early Friday.
It will be the first meteor shower of 2025.
The upcoming show won’t be overshadowed by moonlight, as the crescent moon will set before the shower’s peak.
Ring in the new year with the first meteor shower of 2025.
The annual Quadrantid meteor shower is set to peak during the early hours of Friday, before dawn. That’s when people in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best chance of seeing the shooting stars, though the shower is already underway. Lucky people might be able to catch some on New Year’s Eve, but the celestial show will stay active until Jan. 16.
The Quadrantid meteor shower is caused by debris from an asteroid called 2003 EH1, which takes more than 5 years to complete one orbit around the sun.
The Quadrantids are known for producing brighter, and sometimes colorful, fireball meteors because they originate from larger pieces of debris.
During the shower’s peak early Friday, the crescent moon will already have set, so the shooting stars won’t be at risk of getting overshadowed by bright moonlight.
The Quadrantids will be best seen from the mid-northern to the far-northern latitudes Friday before sunlight begins to appear. For ideal viewing, bundle up and head to a spot away from city lights, with a clear and unobstructed view of the sky.
There’s no need for special equipment, meteors can be viewed with the naked eye.
Under clear and dark conditions, people could spot around 120 meteors per hour during the shower’s peak, according to NASA.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through giant streams of debris from comets or asteroids. When these bits of rock and cosmic dust hit the planet’s atmosphere, they burn up and streak across the night sky as shooting stars.
Most other meteor showers peak over two days, but the Quadrantids have a shorter peak, lasting just about six hours. This is because the cloud of debris is relatively thin, and Earth’s orbit is such that the planet swings through it at a perpendicular angle, according to NASA.
Meteor showers typically get their name based on where the shooting stars appear to originate in the sky. Perseid meteors, for instance, appear to stream from the constellation of Perseus, and Geminid meteors seem to originate from the Gemini constellation.
The Quadrantids, however, are named for a now-obsolete constellation known as “Quadrans Muralis.” This grouping of stars was not included by the International Astronomical Union when it created a list of recognized modern constellations in 1922, but the meteor shower did keep its name.
The former Quadrans Muralis constellation was located near the Big Dipper. While meteors can appear to stream from this point in the sky, people should be able to see shooting stars across the entire sky without needing to gaze in a particular direction.
After the Quadrantids, the next major meteor shower of the year will be the Lyrids, which occurs in April.
Get ready to witness the first meteor shower of 2025 – the Quadrantids! This annual meteor shower is known for its bright fireballs and peak activity, making it a must-see event for stargazers around the world.
The Quadrantid meteor shower is set to peak this week, with the best viewing opportunities in the early morning hours of January 3rd and 4th. With up to 40 meteors per hour streaking across the sky, this cosmic display is sure to be a spectacular sight.
To catch a glimpse of the Quadrantids, find a dark, open area away from city lights and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair to sit back and enjoy the show.
So mark your calendars and set your alarms for the Quadrantid meteor shower, the first celestial event of 2025 that is not to be missed!
A snowstorm developed across the Alps on Saturday 21 December due to a low-pressure system situated over the Adriatic Sea. This depression allowed relatively warm and moist air to push into the Alps, condensing and falling as snow as it met the much colder alpine air mass. Snowfall continued for several days, with well over 1 metre of snow on some peaks and significant snowfall across many ski villages. Consequently, there was a significant avalanche risk over the Christmas period.
Ski resorts in Bulgaria also experienced significant snow starting on Christmas Day, which caused disruption in the mountainous west, where ski resorts had to temporarily shut down due to road closures. Towns such as Troyan, Samokov and Teteven were particularly badly affected with snowdrifts and power failures.
Meanwhile, in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall on Monday caused four deaths. The town of Rohru received the highest snowfall with 24cm, followed by the towns of Sangla and Shillai which received 16.5cm and 15.3cm respectively. More than 200 roads were closed across the state, with more than 1,000 vehicles stuck near the Atal tunnel in Manali, leading to a 12-hour rescue operation.
Earlier this week, a low-pressure system brought heavy rain and strong winds across Fiji, causing substantial flooding. New Zealand’s meteorological agency said 130mm of rain fell within 24 hours from 3pm on Christmas Eve to 3pm on Christmas Day.
River flooding was a major problem, and police advised residents to move to higher ground. Roads were damaged due to the flood water, and there is now a risk of landslides. Further rain is expected all across Fiji as another low-pressure system arrives later this week.
Stormy conditions brought large swells to Santa Cruz, California this week, with estimates of the swell reaching up to 10.7 metres (35ft). The municipal wharf, which was under construction, partially collapsed, with about 45 metres of it falling into the ocean. This follows another storm the previous week, which brought wind speeds of up to 60mph to San Francisco, and a tornado that developed in Scotts Valley approximately 70 miles south of San Francisco, which tore through the town toppling trees and cars.
The recent storm in the Alps has brought an incredible amount of snow to the peaks, with some areas receiving well over a metre of fresh powder. This extreme weather event has caused travel disruptions and avalanche warnings across Europe. Stay tuned for updates on the developing weather situation in the region. #EuropeWeather #AlpsStorm #Snowfall #WeatherTracker
Digital Image Photo Picture AI Art Hiker Mountains Peaks Exploration Rising Sun
Price : 1.00
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Are you a fan of hiking and exploring breathtaking mountain peaks? Look no further than this stunning digital image created with the help of artificial intelligence.
This AI art piece captures the essence of a hiker embarking on an epic journey through rugged mountains, with the sun rising in the background casting a warm glow over the landscape. The intricate details and vibrant colors in this photo-like picture will transport you to a world of adventure and exploration.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this AI art piece is sure to inspire and captivate you. So lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and get ready to conquer the peaks in this stunning digital image. #AIart #mountainexploration #hikingadventures
#Digital #Image #Photo #Picture #Art #Hiker #Mountains #Peaks #Exploration #Rising #Sun
David Lynch and his estranged wife, Emily Lynch, hashed out a settlement in their divorce that covers custody and support amid the famed director’s serious health issues, In Touch can exclusively report.
According to court documents obtained by In Touch, David, 78, informed the court of the deal on Friday, December 20. David explained that he entered into a written agreement regarding their property and their marriage.
He said that the issues of child and spousal support, along with custody of their 11-year-old daughter, were resolved per the deal.
The agreement also covered the issue of who will cover the attorney fees racked up in the case. Emily filed for divorce from David — famous for the television show Twin Peaks — in December 2023.
Emily proposed that David be awarded visitation with the child. Emily asked the court to award her support and for David to cover her legal bills in the case.
David’s ex wasted no time with the divorce and had a process server serve David shortly after filing her petition in court.
David has been married four times, he was previously married to Peggy Lynch, Mary Sweeney and Mary Fisk.
Back in November, David spoke out about his lifelong battle with smoking. He revealed he was diagnosed with emphysema and had quit cigarettes.
David spoke to People about his decision to kick his habit and the damage it had done to his body.
“A big important part of my life was smoking,” David told the outlet. “I loved the smell of tobacco, the taste of tobacco. I loved lighting cigarettes. It was part of being a painter and a filmmaker for me.”
However, he added, “What you sow is what you reap.”
David Lynch
The director told the outlet that he needs oxygen for activity more “strenuous” than walking across a room. David said he wanted to warn current smokers to quit or they could face serious health problems.
“In the back of every smoker’s mind is the fact that it’s healthy, so you’re literally playing with fire,” he said. “It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.”
“I really wanted to get this across: Think about it. You can quit these things that are going to end up killing you,” he said. “I owe it to them — and to myself — to say that.”
David said he started smoking at the age of 8. David said he tried to quit smoking numerous times over the years. He added, “But when it got tough, I’d have the first cigarette, and it was a one-way trip to heaven. Then you’re back smoking again.”
Even after being diagnosed with emphysema in 2020, David said it took him two more years to quit smoking.
He told the outlet, “I saw the writing on the wall. and it said, ‘You’re going to die in a week if you don’t stop.’”
David said, “I could hardly move without gasping for air. Quitting was my only choice.”
Twin Peaks director David Lynch has settled his divorce from his wife of 14 years, Emily Stofle, as he continues to struggle with his health. The couple filed for divorce in May 2021, citing irreconcilable differences.
Lynch, 75, has been open about his health issues in recent years, including suffering from chronic headaches and other physical ailments. Despite his health struggles, Lynch remains one of the most influential filmmakers in the industry, known for his unique storytelling style and surreal imagery.
The couple married in 2009 and share one child together. Lynch has two other children from previous relationships. The terms of the divorce settlement have not been disclosed.
Lynch’s fans have shown their support for the director during this difficult time, sending well wishes and messages of encouragement. Despite his personal challenges, Lynch continues to work on his creative projects and inspire audiences around the world with his visionary storytelling.
Tags:
Twin Peaks, David Lynch, divorce settlement, wife, health struggles, director, marriage, Hollywood, celebrity news, entertainment industry
NEW! Red Room Twin Peaks iPhone Samsung Google Pixel Tough Case
Price : 21.99
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Introducing our newest addition to the Twin Peaks collection: the Red Room Tough Case for iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices! This sleek and stylish case features the iconic red curtains and zig-zag floor pattern from the mysterious Red Room in the hit TV show Twin Peaks.
Not only does this case look great, but it also provides maximum protection for your device. Made from durable materials, this tough case will protect your phone from drops, bumps, and scratches. The slim design allows for easy access to all buttons and ports, while the raised edges provide extra protection for your screen.
Whether you’re a die-hard Twin Peaks fan or just looking for a unique phone case, the Red Room Tough Case is sure to impress. Get yours today and show off your love for this cult classic TV show!
#Red #Room #Twin #Peaks #iPhone #Samsung #Google #Pixel #Tough #Case
Digital Image Picture Wallpaper Background Desktop AI Art Majestic Peaks
Price : 0.99
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Are you in need of a stunning wallpaper for your desktop? Look no further than this majestic peaks digital image picture created with artificial intelligence art. The breathtaking mountains in this artwork will transport you to a serene and majestic landscape every time you glance at your screen. Download this beautiful wallpaper today and elevate your desktop to a whole new level of beauty. #AIart #desktopwallpaper #majesticpeaks #digitalimage
#Digital #Image #Picture #Wallpaper #Background #Desktop #Art #Majestic #Peaks
