Missed the Geminid meteor bathe earlier this month? Don’t fear. We’re in for a bit pre-Christmas stargazing deal with. The Ursid meteor bathe — the ultimate one of many yr — is predicted to peak within the early morning hours of Sunday (Dec. 22).
As far as meteor showers go, the Ursids aren’t recognized to be significantly lively. If viewing circumstances are good, you would possibly see upwards of 10 meteors per hour, in accordance with In-the-Sky.org. But this yr, the final quarter moon will intrude with the present, so it is best to maintain expectations low — say, perhaps 5 meteors per hour.
Still, you by no means know what would possibly occur. Per EarthSky, the Ursids unexpectedly produced round 100 meteors per hour in 1945 and 1968 and a few 30 meteors per hour in 1973.
The Ursids are named for his or her radiant, or the purpose from which they seem to emanate: the constellation Ursa Minor, also called the Little Dipper. But they really come from the comet 8P/Tuttle, or extra particularly, the path of particles it leaves behind on its orbit of the solar. As Earth strikes into that path, the particles burns up in our environment, creating capturing stars.
If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the present, here is what you must know concerning the Ursids in 2024.
Related: Ursid meteor bathe 2024: Everything you must know
When is the very best time to see the Ursid meteor bathe?
The Ursids run from Dec. 17 to Dec. 26, with the height occurring within the early morning of Dec. 22. While you possibly can see them any time throughout the interval, the very best view will possible happen within the predawn hours of Dec. 22. That’s when the radiant shall be highest within the sky.
What are the viewing circumstances for the Ursid meteor bathe this yr?
Unfortunately, the moon shall be fairly vivid throughout the Ursid peak this yr. It’ll be approaching its final quarter section at 54% illumination, that means it’s going to be pretty vivid within the night time sky. The moon’s mild will possible drown out dimmer meteors.
How to search for the Ursids
All you need to do is bundle up and get out someplace darkish with a large view of the night time sky. Let your eyes modify to the darkness, then search for. You will not have to look immediately on the radiant — the truth is, it is higher to look in a barely totally different course, because the meteors shall be transferring away from it.
When is the subsequent meteor bathe?
After the Ursids, the subsequent meteor bathe is the Quadrantids, which can peak the night time of Jan. 2 into the morning of Jan. 3, 2025.
