The Ursids are a quiet but reliable meteor shower in late December. They appear right after the Geminids, giving skywatchers a second chance at meteors before the year ends. Occasionally, they surprise with short bursts of activity, keeping observers alert.
- Duration: December 13–24, 2025.
- Predicted Peak: ~11:00 UTC on December 22, 2025.
- Hourly Rate: A minor shower with a rate of 5-10 meteors per hour.
- Radiant: In the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper). For northern hemisphere observers, the radiant is circumpolar and never sets.
- Parent Body: Comet 8P/Tuttle.
- Moon Phase: New Moon at 01:23 UTC on December 20, 2025. The skies will be exceptionally dark during the peak.
Radiant Point of the Ursid Meteor Shower
The Ursids take their name from the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, where their radiant point lies. The radiant is the spot in the sky from which the meteors seem to spread out, though meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
Because the radiant is circumpolar for most northern latitudes, the Ursids can be seen all night long. Tools like the Stellarium app or a star chart can help you locate Ursa Minor and get oriented before you begin watching. While focusing on the radiant isn’t necessary, knowing its location helps in identifying the shower.
Parent Body of the Ursid Meteor Shower
The Ursids come from comet 8P/Tuttle, a periodic comet that completes one orbit around the Sun every 13.6 years. As Earth crosses the comet’s path each December, tiny fragments left behind burn in our atmosphere, producing bright streaks of light.
Comet 8P/Tuttle was discovered in 1858 by American astronomer Horace Parnell Tuttle. Though the comet itself is relatively small, only about 4.5 kilometers wide, its debris trail is enough to create a dependable annual meteor shower. This connection between comets and meteor showers provides a fascinating link between the long orbits of icy bodies and the quick flashes of light we see in the sky.
History of the Ursid Meteor Shower
The Ursids are often described as a quiet meteor shower, usually producing around 5 to 10 meteors per hour. However, they have a history of surprise outbursts. In 1945, skywatchers reported up to 120 meteors per hour, and in 1986, another strong display produced around 90 meteors per hour.
Smaller increases have also been noted in years when Earth passes through particularly dense regions of the comet’s debris. These surges are unpredictable but make the Ursids especially interesting to follow. While 2024 is not expected to bring a major outburst, the steady stream of meteors and the timing close to the winter solstice give the shower a special appeal.
How to Observe a Meteor Shower?
The Ursids, like most meteor showers, do not require any telescope or binoculars. In fact, wide, unobstructed views of the sky are best. Here are some practical tips to maximize your experience:
- Choose the right location: Go to a dark site away from city lights. Light pollution can cut the number of visible meteors in half or more.
- Give your eyes time to adjust: Spend at least 30 minutes in darkness without looking at phones or bright screens. Most stargazing apps, including Stellarium, offer a red-light or night mode that helps preserve your night vision.
- Look overhead, not just at the radiant: While meteors seem to originate from Ursa Minor, they can flash across any part of the sky. Lying on your back with a wide view overhead is usually best.
- Dress for the season: December nights are cold, so wear warm layers, gloves, and a hat. A reclining chair, sleeping bag, or blanket can make long observing sessions much more comfortable.
- Bring essentials: Pack water, hot drinks, snacks, and weatherproof clothing. Patience is key, so being comfortable helps you stay out longer.
Refer to our Meteor Shower Calendar!
