Ursid Meteor Shower Approaching

The annual Ursid Meteor Shower is approaching, and it’s timing couldn’t be better. It peaks on the night of December 22nd -> 23rd, a night on which a tiny, waning crescent moon will rise around 3:30am. The small phase of the moon, along with its late arrival will frame the meteor shower under the darkest skies possible. Additionally, Comet 8P Tuttle (which produced the shower) made a very close pass to Earth earlier this year. The combination could produce a dramatic burst of activity with upwards of 100 meteors per hour possible.

Here are a few meteor viewing tips to help you get the most out of the opportunity. First up, simply head outside after dark on any night within a couple of days of the shower. Later is usually better, but you never know when a burst of activity might arise. The meteor shower’s radiant is near the star Polaris in the constellation Ursa Major. The radiant is the point from which (or to which) meteors appear to radiate from. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but Ursid Meteors will trace a line to a point just below Polaris. Be sure to bundle up, as night time temperatures this time of year can be quite chilly. A reclining chair or lounger is ideal to prevent neck strain. Enjoy!