The Ursids - Meteor Shower of December

The Ursids Meteor Shower - a Complete Guide for Skywatchers

Meteor showers have fascinated humankind for centuries. Long before the invention of telescopes, satellites and other astronomical artifacts, ancient cultures looked at the streaks of light in the night sky and invented stories about celestial spirits, omens and messages from the gods.

In the present, it is known that these brilliant streaks of light originate from the tiny fragments of debris left by a comet. The Ursids meteor shower occurs in mid December every year. It offers a wonderful observing experience - almost like a quiet gift from the cosmos in the December holidays.

In this article You're going to learn what meteor showers are, their origin, where they originate from, the best viewing conditions, recommended equipment, safety tips and a collection of interesting facts about them.

What Are Meteor Showers?

Meteor showers originate when Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by a comet or, in rare cases, by an asteroid. This tiny particles of debris are often no longer than tiny grains of sand or small pebbles. When these debris enter Earth's atmosphere at high speed - sometimes 70 km/s - they burn up due to the friction caused by the interaction with atmospheric particles producing streaks of light known as meteors or shooting stars.

Meteor showers are predicable fenomena because the debris trails that create them remain in the same location year after year. As Earth orbits around the Sun, it passes through this debris at a given time of the year, creating the meteor showers we see, such as the perseids in August, the Orionids in october and the Geminids and Ursids in Desember.

Each meteor shower appears to originate from a specific region in the sky called the radiant and is named after the constellation from where it appears to originate. For example, the Ursids meteor shower appears to originate from the constellation Ursa Minor.

The Ursids Meteor Shower

The Ursid meteor shower occurs annually between December 17th and December 26th, reaching its peak around December 21st - 22nd. Although the Ursids are typically a modest meteor shower -producing from 5 to 10 meteors per hour under ideal conditions - they can produce from 25 or even 50 meteors per hour in some rare years.

The radiant of the Ursids lies near Beta Ursae Minoris, also known as Kochab, one of the brighter stars in Ursa Minor. Because this constellation sits close to the North Star, the Ursids radiant remains above the horizon throughout the night for most observers in the northern hemisphere. This makes the shower easy for observation for latitudes above the equator.

Where Do the Ursids Come From?

The Ursids meteor shower originates from debris left by the periodic comet 8P/Tuttle. Discovered in 1790 by Pierre Mechain, this comet completes an orbit around the sun every 13.6 years, living tiny dust particles and small Rocky fragments on its way.

As Earth orbits the Sun across the space, it crosses the paths of dust and debris left by comet 8P/Tuttle. When the fragments interact with Earth's atmosphere, they create streaks of light in the sky known as shooting stars.

Unlike some meteor showers from other comets which are large or highly active, comet 8P/Tuttle is relatively small. However, it's trail is stable and persistent, allowing the Ursids to occur every year in December.

Visibility of Meteor Sowers

1. Earth´s orbit through the trail of debris left by a comet

Meteor activity peaks occur when and the Earth passes through the densest part of the comet's trail.

2. Atmospheric Conditions

Clear, dry skies significantly enhance meteor visibility. Clouds, haze, humidity and a full moon can prevent full viewing conditions.

3. Light Pollution

City lights can prevent meteor shower viewing. Rural or dark sky locations can vastly improve visibility.

4. Position of the Radiant

Meteor showers are the best observed when the radiant has risen. typically after midnight and before dawn.

5. Because the Ursids radiant is a circumpolar, it is visible all night long.

Best places to watch the Ursids meteor shower

1. Dark - sky parks

To maximize your chances of witnessing the Ursids, seek out areas with exceptionally dark skies, such as parks. Consider traveling to the countryside or rural areas, away from the pervasive light pollution of cities. High elevation points, such as mountains or elevated plateaus, can further enhance visibility by reducing atmospheric interference. Additionally, locations north of 30° latitude are best for viewing, as the radiant of the Ursids is located in the constellation Ursa Minor.

2. Countryside and Rural Areas

Small towns, farmland, mountains on deserts away from major cities

3. High Elevation Points

Mountains and elevated plateaus reduce atmospheric interference and increase visibility

4. Northern latitudes

Because the Ursids seem to originate from Ursa minor, locations north of 30° latitude are best for viewing

When and How to Watch the Ursids

The best time and date to observe the Ursids is on December 21st - 22nd after midnight and before dawn.

Ideal Conditions and Equipment

Clear sky

Minimal moonlight

Away from City lights

Warm, comfortable clothing

A reclining chair or blanket

A sleeping bag

A red light flashlight

portable radio

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings

Where to Look

Although the Ursid meteors appear to radiate from Ursa Minor, the streaks can show up everywhere in the sky. For best results, look slightly away from the radiant to see longer, brighter trails.

Interesting Facts About the Ursids Meteor Shower

The Ursids is one of the few meteor showers that peak close to the winter solstice.

They are named after Ursa Minor, the little bear constellation.

The shower occasionally produces unexpected bursts of activity.

Comet 8P/Tuttle is older and quieter than many other Comets.

Because the radiant is circumpolar, the Ursids can be seen all night long in many Northern regions.

Some Ursids meteoroids are so small yet they produce brilliant streaks when they burn up.