So, you’re standing outside in the cold, neck craned toward the dark, wondering where the heck the show is. It’s January 15, 2026. The big New Year’s resolution to "experience nature more" is hitting the reality of a chilly midnight. You’ve heard there are meteors, but the sky is huge. Which way do you even point your face?
Honestly, finding which direction are the meteor showers tonight isn't as simple as checking a compass and sticking to one spot. If you’re out tonight, you are catching the tail end of the Quadrantids and the steady, quiet presence of the Gamma Ursae Minorids.
Most people make the mistake of staring at one specific constellation like it’s a TV screen. Don’t do that. You’ll miss the best streaks.
The Northern Sweep: Where the Action Starts
Tonight, your best bet is to look toward the North and Northeast. The primary "leftover" activity right now comes from the Quadrantids, which technically peaked a couple of weeks ago but still toss a few stray "sporadic" meteors our way.
The radiant point—that's the spot where the meteors seem to originate—is in the constellation Bootes. In the early evening, Bootes is kinda low. But as we move past midnight and into the wee hours of January 16, it climbs higher in the Northeast.
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The Gamma Ursae Minorids
There is another minor player tonight: the Gamma Ursae Minorids. This shower is active right now (January 10–22) and peaks around January 18. Since it’s the 15th, we are ramping up.
- Direction: North.
- Radiant: Near the "Little Dipper" (Ursa Minor).
- Speed: These are medium-speed meteors, hitting the atmosphere at about 31 kilometers per second.
- Expectation: It’s a "quiet" shower. You might see maybe 3 meteors per hour. It’s for the patient soul, not the "fireworks show" seeker.
Why the Direction "North" is a Lie (Sorta)
Here is the thing about meteor showers that most guides don’t explain well. While the radiant is in the North, the meteors themselves can appear anywhere in the sky.
Think of it like a sprinkler. If you stand right next to the sprinkler head (the radiant), you see the water coming at you. But if you look ten feet away, you see the long arcs of water.
If you stare directly at the North Star (Polaris) or the radiant in Bootes, you’ll see short, stubby meteors. If you look about 45 to 90 degrees away from the radiant—say, toward the zenith (straight up) or the Northwest—you’ll see much longer, more dramatic "earth-grazing" streaks.
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Dealing with the Moon and Light Pollution
Tonight's a bit of a mixed bag for visibility. We are currently sitting with a Waning Crescent Moon (it was a New Moon back on the 9th, and we are heading toward the Last Quarter). This is actually great news! The moon isn't a giant spotlight in the sky right now, so the sky is relatively dark.
However, if you are in the middle of a city, you're fighting a losing battle. Streetlights are the enemy.
Expert Tip: If you can’t leave the city, find a park where a building blocks the direct glare of streetlights. Your eyes need about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. If you check your phone even once, you’ve basically reset your "night vision" clock. Put the screen away.
The "Sporadic" Factor
If you see a meteor tonight that isn't coming from the North, don't think you’re crazy. On any given night, there are "sporadic" meteors. These are just random bits of space dust hitting the windshield of Earth as we hurtle through the solar system.
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In mid-January, we also have the Antihelion Source. This isn't a single shower but a broad area in the sky (currently moving through Cancer and Leo) that produces a steady drip of meteors. If you see a slow-moving streak coming from the East or Southeast after midnight, that’s likely what you’re seeing.
How to Actually See Something Tonight
- Timing is everything. Don't go out at 7:00 PM and expect a show. The Earth rotates into the "debris" more effectively after midnight. The sweet spot tonight is between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
- Get horizontal. Don't stand and crane your neck; you'll get a cramp and go inside after ten minutes. Use a reclining lawn chair or a blanket.
- Look North-ish, but focus Up. Keep your feet pointed North, but let your eyes wander across the top of the sky.
- Bundle up. You aren't moving. You will get colder than you think. Double the socks.
The reality is that January isn't the most prolific month for "shooting stars" compared to the August Perseids. But there’s a certain magic to the winter sky. It’s crisp, the stars are sharper, and when a fireball does break through the January chill, it feels like a private reward for being the only person awake.
Your Next Steps for Tonight
Check your local weather forecast specifically for cloud cover percentages. If it's more than 50% cloudy, your chances of seeing the minor Gamma Ursae Minorids are slim. If it's clear, grab a thermos of coffee, head away from the porch lights, and give your eyes at least 30 minutes to find the dark. You don't need a telescope; you just need patience and a clear view of the Northern horizon.