The final meteor shower of the year, known as the Ursids, is set to reach its peak on Sunday, just a few days before the Christmas holiday. Although typically not as brilliant as the Geminids, the Ursid meteor shower has the potential to offer unexpected delights. Shyam Balaji from King’s College London describes the Ursids as generally modest, with an average of 5 to 10 visible meteors per hour in optimal viewing conditions. However, historical events such as the outbursts in 1945 and 1986 witnessed a surge of up to 100 meteors per hour, proving the unpredictability and charm of these cosmic displays. Balaji emphasizes the ever-changing nature of the Ursids, noting that it remains impossible to forecast with certainty what this year’s shower will unveil. Most meteor showers result from the remnants of comets, and observing them does not require any specialized equipment. The Ursids specifically trace back to the comet 8P/Tuttle. The presence of a 59% full moon on the night of the shower may dim some visibility of meteors, with the viewing window extending until December 26. Following the Ursids, the Quadrantids meteor shower is anticipated to peak on January 3. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to The Associated Press Health and Science Department, with the AP maintaining full responsibility for all published content.
