The final meteor shower of the year, known as the Ursids, is expected to reach its peak on Sunday, just a few days before Christmas. While the Ursids may not shine as brightly as the Geminids, they have the potential to offer some unexpected surprises to skywatchers. According to Shyam Balaji from King’s College London, the Ursids are typically considered to be a modest meteor shower, with about 5 to 10 meteors visible per hour under optimal viewing conditions. However, there have been instances in the past, such as in 1945 and 1986, where the Ursids experienced outbursts that resulted in as many as 100 meteors per hour.
This unpredictability is what maintains the interest of skywatchers, as Balaji explains that it is impossible to accurately forecast what the Ursids will bring each year. Most meteor showers are born from the remains of comets, and fortunately, special equipment is not required to witness these celestial events. In the case of the Ursids, they are associated with the debris left behind by the comet 8P/Tuttle.
One factor that may affect the viewing experience of the Ursids this year is the moon, which is expected to be 59% full on the night of the peak, potentially obscuring some of the meteors. Despite this, the window for observing the Ursids extends until December 26th, providing ample opportunities to catch a glimpse of this cosmic display.
Looking ahead, the next meteor shower on the calendar is the Quadrantids, which is set to peak on January 3rd. As the year draws to a close, these celestial events serve as a reminder of the wonders of the universe and offer a chance for enthusiasts and novices alike to marvel at the beauty of the night sky.
It is worth noting that the information provided is from The Associated Press Health and Science Department, which is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP holds sole responsibility for the accuracy and content of the information provided in this piece.
