Fri Dec 19 13:50:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Ursid meteor shower, the final major meteor shower of the year, is set to peak Sunday night into Monday morning and will be visible until December 26 from the Northern Hemisphere. While less intense than other showers like the Geminids, experts say it’s still worth watching as skygazers might see up to 25 meteors per hour during its peak. The shower is caused by Earth passing through debris from Comet 8P/Tuttle. No special equipment is needed to view the Ursids, but it is recommended to find a dark location away from city lights and to avoid looking at bright lights from cell phones to allow the eyes to adjust. The meteors will appear to originate from the constellation Ursa Minor.

News Article:

Ursid Meteor Shower to Light Up Night Skies This Weekend

NEW YORK – Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere are in for a treat this weekend as the Ursid meteor shower, the year’s final major celestial display, reaches its peak. The shower promises streaks of light across the night sky from Sunday night into Monday morning and will be visible through December 26.

While not as prolific as other meteor showers like the Geminids, the Ursids are expected to deliver a respectable show. Under optimal conditions, viewers could witness up to 25 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society. Typically, viewers might see five to ten meteors per hour during the height of the shower.

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through streams of cosmic debris left behind by comets or asteroids. In the case of the Ursids, the debris originates from Comet 8P/Tuttle. As these tiny space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up, creating the dazzling streaks we see as meteors, or “shooting stars.”

To maximize your viewing experience, experts recommend finding a location away from city lights and allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid looking at bright screens. Though the meteors can be seen all across the sky, they will appear to radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper.

No special equipment is required to enjoy the Ursid meteor shower. With clear skies and a little patience, anyone can witness this final celestial spectacle of 2023.

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