Sky gazers are hoping to kick-start 2023 with celestial fireworks when one of the strongest meteor showers of the year reaches its peak tonight.

The Quadrantid meteor shower started almost a week ago on December 28 and will last all the way through until January 12.

However it's expected to peak between January 3 and 4 when up to 110 meteors could burst across the night sky every hour - with the very best of the display expected in the early hours after midnight.

Described by experts at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich as one of the 'strongest and most consistent' meteor showers the debris is expected to enter Earth's atmosphere at speeds of up to 70km a second - or close to 50mph.

The Quadrantids display is known for its sharp peak of a few hours when hundreds of pieces of debris vaporise and cause the streaks of light we know to be meteors.

As with any event in the skies above - the best chance of spotting a meteor will happen if the night-time forecast is good with clear skies - while the moonlight may also cause some interference, suggests the Observatory, because the shower is happening just shortly after this month's full Moon.

However for the best chance of spotting a Quadrantid meteor, which will appear as a blue streak with a fine train, find a safe location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution.

The meteors will also be seen in all parts of the sky so a good wide open space should also treat you to the best display.