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25m ago

Ursid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight Into Early Monday Under New-Moon, Solstice Skies

Expect roughly 5 to 10 meteors per hour, with experts noting a chance of brief upticks if Earth crosses a denser trail from comet 8P/Tuttle.

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The Jupiter Saturn Great Conjunction of 2020 coincided with the Ursid meteor shower, shown here above Ashland, Oregon.
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Overview

  • Viewing favors the Northern Hemisphere, with the radiant near the star Kochab in Ursa Minor remaining above the horizon all night.
  • The International Meteor Organization indicates potential activity spikes around 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. EST on Monday, Dec. 22.
  • Best chances come in the pre-dawn hours under dark skies, and observers should seek a wide, unobstructed northern view and allow 20–30 minutes for eyes to adjust.
  • No equipment is needed, but darker locations away from city lights can make the difference between a handful of meteors and none.
  • The Ursids are active roughly Dec. 17–26 and are typically modest compared with the Geminids that peaked earlier this month.