On Sunday night extending into early Monday morning, the Ursid meteor shower will reach its maximum activity, marking the final significant astronomical occurrence on this year's celestial schedule.
Optimal Viewing Times and Conditions
According to Robert Lunsford, a coordinator with the American Meteor Society, observers have the highest probability of witnessing between five and ten meteors each hour during the period from midnight to 5 a.m. EST on Monday, which corresponds to 9 p.m. PST Sunday through 2 a.m. Monday.
This meteor display coincides with the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice, the year's shortest day in terms of daylight hours. During this time, the hemisphere is at its greatest distance from the sun, resulting in extended darkness that creates ideal atmospheric conditions for meteor visibility.
Visibility and Origins
The Ursid meteor shower is exclusively observable from the Northern Hemisphere because its radiant point—the apparent origin of the meteors—never ascends sufficiently high in the sky to be seen from southern latitudes.
Lunsford explains that these meteors, known as Ursids, appear to originate from the bowl of the Little Dipper constellation, also called Ursa Minor, near the bright orange star Kochab.
Earth is currently traversing through a stream of particles left behind by comet 8P/Tuttle, which releases material during its solar orbit, as documented by Earth Sky data.
Viewing Recommendations
While urban light pollution may hinder visibility, Lunsford notes that observers located away from densely populated regions still have favorable opportunities to witness the Ursids.
"It is highly suggested that one try to view from the darkest location possible," he said. "Folks viewing from closer to cities can only see less than five per hour."
He recommends looking toward the northern portion of the sky, concentrating just above the horizon, to improve chances of spotting the meteors.
Meteor showers remain among the limited astronomical phenomena that can be observed without optical assistance.
