# Quadrantids Discovered: January's Spectacular Meteor Shower Revealed
Published: January 3, 2026
Duration: 2:01
# This is your Astronomy Tonight podcast.
**January 3rd in Astronomical History: The Discovery of the Quadrantids' Radiant (1825)**
Good evening, stargazers! On this date in 1825, astronomers made a fascinating discovery that would help us understand one of the most reliable meteor showers gracing our night skies—the **Quadrantids**. While meteors had been observed raining down from this part of the sky for centuries, it was on January 3rd that scientists began systematically documenting and mapping this celestial phenomenon with newfound precision.
The Quadrantids reach their peak right around this time of year—literally just days away...
**January 3rd in Astronomical History: The Discovery of the Quadrantids' Radiant (1825)**
Good evening, stargazers! On this date in 1825, astronomers made a fascinating discovery that would help us understand one of the most reliable meteor showers gracing our night skies—the **Quadrantids**. While meteors had been observed raining down from this part of the sky for centuries, it was on January 3rd that scientists began systematically documenting and mapping this celestial phenomenon with newfound precision.
The Quadrantids reach their peak right around this time of year—literally just days away...