Ursid Meteor Shower 2024: Dates, Viewing Tips, and Best Times

The final meteor bathe of 2024, the Ursids, will peak in the course of the evening of December 21 to 22, coinciding with the winter solstice within the Northern Hemisphere. This annual occasion is anticipated to show round 10 meteors per hour at its peak, based mostly on info from EarthSky.org. Although not as prolific because the Geminids earlier in December, the Ursids can nonetheless produce vibrant fireballs seen even underneath moonlit situations, providing a placing expertise for skywatchers.

The Ursid meteor bathe will probably be energetic from December 17 to 26, with optimum viewing anticipated earlier than daybreak on December 22. The meteors originate from the particles of Comet 8P/Tuttle, a celestial physique with a diameter of roughly 5 kilometres and an orbit across the solar lasting 13.6 years. The radiant level for the Ursids lies within the constellation Ursa Minor, additionally known as the Little Dipper, which stays seen all through the evening within the Northern Hemisphere.

How to Maximise Viewing Opportunities

The waning gibbous moon, which will probably be 52 p.c to 62 p.c illuminated on the evening of December 21 to 22, might hinder visibility, reaching its highest place within the sky at about 6 a.m. native time. To enhance probabilities of recognizing meteors, viewing is suggested round midnight when the moon is decrease on the horizon. Observers are inspired to search out areas removed from synthetic gentle to boost the expertise.

Reports point out that meteor showers just like the Ursids are greatest noticed with the unaided eye, as gear corresponding to binoculars or telescopes might prohibit the sector of view. Stargazers also needs to permit their eyes to regulate to the darkish for optimum outcomes.