Ursid Meteor Shower 2023: Tips for Viewing the Peak This Week
Catch the Ursid meteor shower on December 23. Learn how to observe it in India.
If you are looking for a celestial treat this winter, you might want to catch a glimpse of the Ursid meteor shower, which is expected to peak on December 23. The Ursids are minor meteor showers that occur every year around the winter solstice, when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by comet 8P/Tuttle.
The Ursids are not as spectacular as the Geminids, which dazzled the sky earlier this month; but they still offer us a chance to see some shooting stars in the cold night. The Ursids produce about five to 10 meteors per hour at their peak, under ideal conditions.
To watch the Ursids, you need to find a dark and clear spot away from the city lights. The best time to look for the meteors is the wee hours of December 22 and 23, before dawn. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear or the Little Dipper, which is circumpolar and visible all night in the northern hemisphere. You can use a sky map app on your phone to locate the constellation, or just look for the bright star Polaris, which marks the end of the Little Dipper’s handle.
No specialized equipment is required to savor the Ursids; just rely on your eyes and a bit of patience. Dress warmly and consider bringing a blanket or chair for added comfort. Allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness, then sweep the sky in search of any luminous streaks.
The Ursids, though understated, are a dependable meteor shower that can illuminate your winter evenings. Seize the chance to witness celestial fireworks before the year concludes.
