The natural beauty of the night sky continues to captivate stargazers, especially during celestial events such as meteor showers. One notable event on the cosmic calendar is the Ursid meteor shower, which offers a final opportunity for sky watchers to witness a stunning display before the year concludes. Scheduled for Sunday morning, December 22, 2023, this meteor shower is an event that fans of astronomy and casual spectators alike should mark on their calendars.
Despite its allure, the Ursid meteor shower is often overshadowed by the more famous Geminid meteor shower, which peaks about a week earlier in December. The Ursids occur near the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, typically resulting in longer nights filled with possibilities for observation. However, this meteor shower is frequently overlooked, not only because of the busy holiday season but also due to the unfavorable weather conditions that can accompany this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the American Meteor Society, many people miss out on this spectacle because of cold temperatures and cloudy nights.
Interestingly, the Ursid meteor shower displays its radiant—the point in the sky from which meteors seem to emanate—in the Northern Hemisphere. This aspect makes it less accessible for viewers in the Southern Hemisphere, where the radiant doesn’t rise high enough for effective viewing. Observers stationed in North America will have a better experience, but the viewing conditions may still present challenges. For instance, the moon is forecasted to be 54% full on Sunday. This brightness could limit visibility of the fainter meteors, further complicating the experience for amateur astronomers.
Nevertheless, for those determined to catch a glimpse of these fleeting celestial events, there are tips from experts such as Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society. He states that the meteor shower will peak between 4 and 5 a.m. ET, although meteors could also be visible just after midnight. The Ursids originate from the constellation Ursa Minor, specifically from the vicinity of a bright star known as Kochab, making it easier for stargazers to pinpoint where to look.
As the moon ascends towards its peak brightness around midnight local time, Lunsford warns that it may not be the best time to observe meteors, as any activity could be obscured by the horizon. Instead, he suggests a strategy for optimal viewing: look for meteors in the hours closest to dawn, when activity peaks at about ten meteors per hour. Lunsford advises observers to position themselves with the moon behind them while directing their gaze northward. A comfortable lounge chair positioned such that the horizon lies near the bottom of the viewer’s field of view can enhance the experience since that stance opens up the sky.
It’s also essential for observers to give their eyes time to adjust to the darkness. The American Meteor Society recommends spending at least an hour outside to increase the chances of spotting these meteors while also ensuring to dress warmly against the cold weather. The dazzling display from the Ursid meteor shower is due to Earth encountering the debris left by the comet 8P/Tuttle. While the Ursids are a relatively new meteor shower, not being officially noted until the 20th century, they now make a welcomed addition to the celestial calendar.
Looking beyond the Ursids, enthusiasts should prepare for the Quadrantid meteor shower, set to peak soon after Christmas on December 26. Notably, the Quadrantids will face less interference from moonlight, with the moon only at 11% fullness during their peak activity. If the skies are cloudy on the night of the Ursids, there will be another chance to enjoy a meteor spectacle when the Quadrantids rise to prominence in early January.
