When people think of December meteor showers, they usually think of the Geminids. This show is one of the best, but there’s another shower happening this month that deserves attention: the Ursids. The Ursids peak during the night of December 21-22, but they often fly under the radar.
The Ursids get their name from the star Kochab in Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear. This bright orange star doesn’t set in most of the Northern Hemisphere, so viewers can spot meteors all night. With the new moon on December 19, conditions should be perfect for viewing.
The best time to see the Ursids is in the early morning before dawn. On peak nights, you might catch 5 to 10 meteors an hour. These meteors travel at a speed of about 22 miles (35 km) per second, which gives them a medium-speed appearance. Outside of peak nights, sightings are rare.
Historically, the Ursids have had a mixed reputation. For instance, they produced major outbursts in 1945 and 1986, but many events likely went unnoticed due to weather conditions. In recent years, minor bursts have happened between 2006 and 2020. Notably, the Ursids are linked to Comet 8P/Tuttle, which has a 13.6-year orbit. It last passed near the Sun in August 2021, and while many peaks occurred without it, its influence is hard to ignore.
Looking ahead, while strong activity isn’t expected for 2025, some experts believe conditions may allow for a brief burst. Dutch-American meteor expert Peter Jenniskens has identified a potential encounter on December 22. He suggests a possible rate of 25 meteors per hour, although this remains uncertain.
Weather permitting, if you’re awake early that morning, step outside and gaze at the northern sky. The nearly new moon sets the stage for a magical end to the year, especially for skywatchers ready to witness the elusive Ursids.
For more insights into astronomy and skywatching, Joe Rao is a lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium and shares his expertise in various publications, including Natural History magazine and Sky and Telescope.
