If you missed the Geminid meteor shower earlier this month, you’ll have one last chance to catch a dazzling show in the sky this year. In the early morning hours on Sunday, December 22, the Ursid meteor shower is predicted to peak, according to Space.com.
The Ursids come from debris left behind by the comet 8P/Tuttle. The debris burns up as it moves through Earth’s atmosphere and creates shooting stars. The Ursids get their name from the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, which is the point from where the meteors appear to emerge, per Space.com.
While this meteor shower isn’t known for being highly active, the Ursids can still produce up to 10 meteors per hour at a dark site. During 2024, the Ursids may be harder to see due to a last quarter moon that will be front and center in the sky, possibly interfering with the shower, according to Space.com.
The Ursids are active from December 17 to December 26, peaking in the early morning on Sunday, December 22. The best time to view them will be during the predawn hours on Sunday as the Ursids will be highest in the sky at this time. For your best chance of spotting the shooting stars, travel to a dark area away from city or street lights.