The Ursid meteor shower, the last big meteor shower of the year, is currently active and will peak around the December solstice, offering sky watchers the chance to catch a glimpse of glowing “shooting stars” under a dark, moonless sky.
Although the Ursids are less dramatic than the Geminids, astronomers say the Ursids are still worth watching, especially in 2025 when lunar conditions are favorable.
When will Ursids peak in 2025?
The American Meteor Society says sky watchers should plan to watch from the evening of Dec. 21 to dawn on Dec. 22 for the best chances.
The predicted maximum activity occurs around 11 UTC on December 22.
Active period: 17-26 December 2025
Best viewing: Evening of December 21st until dawn on December 22nd
Moon phase: Only 3% at all, after the new moon on December 20th – ideal dark skies
How many meteors can you see?
Under clear and dark skies, observers can expect:
5-10 meteors per hour during peak activity
Occasional bursts of 25+ meteors per hour, although unpredictable
The shower’s zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) is around 10, making it an unobtrusive but reliable display.
Where are the Ursid meteors visible?
The Ursids are primarily a Northern Hemisphere meteor shower.
Best seen from mid to high northern latitudes
Poor visibility from the southern hemisphere due to the position of the radiant
The radiant lies near Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper) and is circumpolar for many northern observers, meaning it remains above the horizon all night.
What causes the Ursid meteor shower?
The Ursids originate from Comet 8P/Tuttle, a short-period comet that orbits the Sun every 13.5 years.
As Earth passes through the comet’s debris trail — made up of ice and dust — tiny particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at about 20.5 miles per second (33.1 km/s), burn up and create bright streaks of light.
Tips for viewing the Ursids
No binoculars or binoculars are needed to enjoy the Ursids. Experts recommend:
– Away from city lights
-Leave the eyes for 20-30 minutes to adjust to the dark
– Avoid phone screens or bright lights
– Dress warmly and use a reclining chair or sleeping bag
Why the Ursids are often overlooked
The Ursids are often overshadowed because they peak just before Christmas and shortly after the Geminid meteor shower, which usually produces much higher velocities.
Despite their modest activity, astronomy outlet EarthSky notes that the Ursids remain popular among dedicated Northern Hemisphere observers due to their dark-sky timing and the possibility of rare outbursts.
Still, astronomers note that rare Ursid bursts have been recorded in the past — sometimes exceeding 100 meteors per hour — and have maintained interest among dedicated meteor watchers.
