As the year draws to a close, sky-gazers prepare for the final meteor shower to illuminate our night skies: the Ursids. Despite being dubbed as “often neglected” because it occurs just before Christmas, this celestial event offers a spectacular opportunity for stargazers, especially when overshadowed by the more dazzling Geminid meteor shower that peaks just a week earlier.

The Ursid meteor shower, which will be active from December 16 to December 26, is at its most impressive during its peak. This year, mark your calendars for the evening of December 21, coinciding with the winter solstice, and extending into the morning of December 22. This alignment promises an enchanting celestial show!

On a typical night, you can expect around five to ten meteors per hour during the late morning hours at its peak. However, enthusiasts should be prepared for the possibility of occasional outbursts, reaching rates of over 25 meteors per hour, as noted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. In rare events, these outbursts have surged to an astonishing 100 meteors or more per hour!

Now, there's a catch: this year, the moon will be in its last quarter during the Ursids’ peak, which may obscure the visibility of the fainter meteors. For the best experience, find a spot away from city lights—rural areas offer a clearer view of the night sky, allowing the brilliant meteors to stand out against the darkness.

The Ursids are primarily visible in the Northern Hemisphere, as the radiant point of this shower is positioned in the northern part of the sky. For those in southern tropical regions, viewing will be limited due to the radiant’s low elevation.

When should you start looking up? According to EarthSky.org, the optimal viewing times are around 1 a.m. local time during the winter solstice, with the Big Dipper and Kochab being prominent features in the north-northeast sky.

So grab your blankets, head out to a dark location, and prepare to be mesmerized by the cosmos! Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer, the Ursids provide a magical finale to the year’s astronomical offerings. Don’t let this opportunity pass—set your eyes on the sky and witness the beauty of the universe!