The Ursid meteor shower will light up the night sky in December, offering one last opportunity to witness a stunning celestial display before the year ends. It will peak on the night of December 21 and 22, aligning perfectly with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
Each year, Earth passes through the debris trail left by Comet 8P/Tuttle. This comet sheds dust and particles as it orbits the Sun. When these particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and create meteors.
Darren Baskill, a physics and astronomy lecturer at the University of Sussex, explained: “As the Earth orbits around the solar system at 70,000 miles per hour, it ploughs through this dust, which we see briefly glow as it is swept up and burnt by the friction of our atmosphere.” These meteors seem to radiate from the Ursa Minor constellation, or the Little Dipper, which gives the shower its name.
The Ursid meteor shower will be active from December 17 to 26. Its peak is expected on the night of December 21, continuing into the early hours of December 22. Under ideal conditions — dark skies without moonlight — you can see five to 10 meteors per hour. Though the Ursids are not as intense as the Geminids, they can still surprise observers. In past years, like in 1945 and 1986, bursts of up to 100 meteors per hour were recorded.
To get the best view, head outside between midnight and dawn when the radiant — the point where the meteors seem to come from — is highest in the sky. Find a spot away from city lights to avoid light pollution. A dark, open sky will give you the clearest view. No special equipment is needed, as the meteor shower is best seen with the naked eye.
Clear skies are key for spotting the meteors. In the Northern Hemisphere, you can see the meteors all night long, as they appear to originate from the Little Dipper constellation. Focus on the northern sky and allow your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best experience.
While not as prolific as other meteor showers, the Ursids are special due to their occasional bursts of activity and bright fireballs. Their timing, near the winter solstice, makes them a perfect end-of-year event for stargazers.
After the Ursids, the Quadrantid meteor shower will begin the new year. It will peak on the night of January 2 into January 3, 2025.
