New Year's fireworks from a shattered comet. Present it by Science at NASA. 2017 is beginning with fireworks. No, not those fireworks. We're talking about a light show from Shattered Comet 2003 EH1. According to the International Meteor Organization and other forecasters, Earth will pass through a stream of debris from the comet on January 3, 2017, producing a shower of meteors known as the Quadrantits. The Quadrantit Meteor shower is one of the most intense annual meteor showers, typically producing meteors at a rate of more than 100 per hour from a point in the sky near the North Star, also known as the Shower's Radiant. The 2017 Quadrantits are expected to peak around 1400 universal time or around 6am Pacific Standard Time. The timing favors western parts of North America and islands across the Pacific. The peak of the Quadrantits is brief, typically lasting no more than an hour or so, and it does not always occur at the forecast at time. Fires everywhere are encouraged to be alert from meteors throughout the dark hours of January 3. Extramotivation to go out and view the Quadrantits is provided by the shower's reputation for producing spectacular fireballs, says Brian Day of NASA's Ames Research Center. Not only are these fireballs memorable visual events, but also they are of scientific interest. Someone can participate in a citizen science effort by reporting his or her observations. Fireballs in the sky is a free app that makes this easy. It is made available by Curtin University and partnership with NASA. Although Quadrantits can be numerous, they are observed less than other well-known meteor showers. One reason is weather. The shower peaks in early January when northern winter is in full swing. Storms and cold tend to keep observers inside. Another reason is brevity. The shower doesn't last long, a few hours at most. Those willing to brave the elements while keeping their eyes on the skies could be rewarded with a spectacular show. The source of the Quadrantit meteor shower was unknown until December 2003 when Peter Jeniskins of the NASA Ames Research Center found evidence that Quadrantit meteorroids come from 2003 EH-1, an asteroid that is probably a piece of a comet that broke apart some 500 years ago. Earth intersects the orbit of 2003 EH-1 at a perpendicular angle, which means we quickly move through any debris. That's why the shower is so brief. Quadrantit meteors take their name from an obsolete constellation. Quadrant's Morales found in early 19th century star atlases between Draco, Hercules, and Beotis. It was removed along with a few other constellations from crowded Skymaps in 1922 when the International Astronomical Union adopted the modern list of 88 officially recognized constellations. Although the Quadrantits now fly out of the constellation Beotis, the meteors kept their old name. Quadrantit meteors, they come from a shattered comet and an extinct constellation. That sounds like they are worth a look. Bundle up for chilly meteor viewing on January 3rd. It's a great way to start the new year.