21/22 December - Ursid Meteor Shower

Astronomy fans and night-sky observers have another celestial spectacle to look forward to this December as the Ursid meteor shower reaches its peak around 22 December 2025.

The Ursids are a minor annual meteor shower that occur as Earth passes through the debris trail left by comet 8P/Tuttle. Their radiant point — the location in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate — lies near the Ursa Minor constellation, close to the star Kochab.

When to Watch:
The shower is active from about 17 December through 26 December, with the best viewing opportunities on the night of 21–22 December, particularly in the early hours before dawn. With the peak falling near a new moon, skies will be especially dark and favourable for spotting meteors.

What to Expect:
Unlike the more prolific Geminids earlier in the month, the Ursids are a sparser display, typically producing around 5–10 meteors per hour at maximum under ideal dark-sky conditions.

That said, even modest meteor showers like the Ursids can surprise observers with occasional brighter streaks across the night sky.

Viewing Tips:

Find a dark, open location away from city lights.

Allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.

Look anywhere in the sky — while the radiant lies in Ursa Minor, meteors can appear all around you.

Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or just enjoy spotting “shooting stars,” the Ursid meteor shower offers a peaceful and rewarding night under the winter sky as the year draws to a close.