The Ursids are a minor meteor shower, with maybe 10 meteors visible per hour, a slight bump above normal background amounts. Their radiant, or point of origin in the sky, is from Ursa Minor (part of which is known as Little Dipper), but meteors will appear through the entire sky. This year they will be most visible after midnight between December 21-22 (and possibly even December 23), and with the Moon in its waning crescent phase and setting early, the skies (in area away from light pollution) are good for catching these precious few Ursids!
It is winter so bundle up if you want to watch for meteors, as it is getting late in the year! Get to a dark spot, get comfortable, bring extra blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky.
Find out more Ursids observing tips for this year courtesy EarthSky. The Night Sky Network has a handout that you may find useful for your meteor watching party: Heads Up: It's a Meteor Shower Handout!
It is winter so bundle up if you want to watch for meteors, as it is getting late in the year! Get to a dark spot, get comfortable, bring extra blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky.
Find out more Ursids observing tips for this year courtesy EarthSky. The Night Sky Network has a handout that you may find useful for your meteor watching party: Heads Up: It's a Meteor Shower Handout!
Date: Saturday, December 21 - Sunday, December 22, 2019