[File photo]

On the night of Jan. 3, the earth will see its first meteor shower of 2017: the Quadrans Muralis meteor shower.

The Quadrans Muralis meteor shower was observed for the first time 170 years ago. Compared with the Leonid and Geminid meteor showers, its movement and characteristics still remain unfamiliar. The Quadrans Muralis is considered one of the three most active meteor showers in the world, with a ZHR over 200, meaning that as many as 200 meteors can be observed in the sky at the event's peak.

According to Secretary-General Tang Haiming of the Shanghai Astronomical Society, areas away from downtown and free from light pollution are the best places to observe the phenomenon. Tang suggested that people recline while watching the sky in order to have the broadest view possible. In addition, he reminded astrophiles to be careful of the cold weather.