Ursid Meteor Shower 2024: Dates, viewing tips, and best times

The last meteor shower of 2024, the Ursids, will peak during the night of December 21 to 22, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Based on information from EarthSky.org, this annual event is expected to feature about 10 meteors per hour at its peak. Although not as prolific as the Geminids in early December, the Ursids can still produce vibrant fireballs visible even in moonless conditions, providing a spectacular experience for skywatchers.

The Ursid meteor shower will be active from December 17 to 26, with the best views expected before dawn on December 22. The meteors originate from the debris of comet 8P/Tuttle, a celestial body approximately 5 kilometers in diameter with an orbit around it. The Sun lasts for 13.6 years. The radiant point for the Ursids is located in the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, which is visible all night in the Northern Hemisphere.

How to maximize your chances of being seen

The waning moon, which will illuminate 52 percent to 62 percent on the night of December 21 to 22, could hamper visibility, reaching its highest position in the sky around 6 a.m. local time. To improve your chances of seeing meteors, it is advisable to look around midnight when the moon is low on the horizon. Observers are encouraged to find locations away from artificial light to enhance the experience.

Reports indicate that meteor showers such as the Ursids are best observed with the unaided eye, as instruments such as binoculars or a telescope can limit the field of view. Stargazers should allow their eyes to adjust to the dark for best results.