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Ursid Meteor Shower: Year's Last Show Peaks Tonight!
20 Dec
Summary
- Ursid meteor shower peaks Sunday night into Monday morning.
- Expect 5-10 meteors per hour under dark, moonless skies.
- Shower is best viewed from Northern Hemisphere locations.
The Ursid meteor shower, marking the end of the year's celestial events, is set to peak between Sunday night and early Monday morning. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere can expect to see between five and 10 meteors hourly, particularly during the darkest hours before dawn. This viewing window coincides with the winter solstice, offering perfectly dark skies for an enhanced experience.
The Ursids originate from the Ursa Minor constellation, also known as the Little Dipper. This annual shower occurs as Earth passes through debris trails left by comet 8P/Tuttle. This year, enhanced activity is predicted as Earth is expected to traverse a specific debris trail, potentially offering a brighter display than usual.
While often overlooked compared to more prolific showers like the Geminids, the Ursids are worth observing. To maximize the chances of seeing the meteors, find a location away from city lights and face the northern sky. Viewing for at least an hour is recommended to witness the celestial spectacle.
