The last space show of 2024: when and where to see Ursid meteor shower

The last meteor shower of 2024 is the Ursid. This space show started on December 17 and will last until December 26.

The Ursid is expected to peak on the night of December 21-22. Dazzling streaks will illuminate the sky from the constellation of the Little Bear, Newsweek writes.

What is the Ursid meteor shower?

The Ursid meteor shower is an annual celestial event caused by the passage of the Earth through the debris left by Comet 8P/Tuttle.

"As the Earth orbits around the solar system at 70,000 miles per hour, it ploughs through this dust, which we see briefly glow as it is swept up and burnt by the friction of our atmosphere," explained Darren Baskill, a lecturer in physics and astronomy at the University of Sussex.

According to astronomers, during the peak, the Ursids emit 5 to 10 meteors per hour. Although less prolific than the December's Geminids, this meteor shower is still known for creating bright balls of fire in the sky.

When and where to see the event

The best time to observe the Ursid meteor shower is in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, December 22. That's when the emission point - the place in the sky where meteors come from - reaches its highest point, scientists say.

To observe the meteor shower, astronomers advise looking for a dark place away from city lights, which significantly reduce the visibility of meteors. You should put away all gadgets beforehand so that your eyes get used to the darkness.

The researchers also advise avoiding looking directly at the radiant (Little Bear). Meteors appear all over the sky, so a wide field of view increases your chances of spotting them.

If you do miss the Ursids, the next Quadrantid meteor shower will begin in early 2025, and its peak will be on the night of January 2 to 3.

According to NASA, the Quadrantids are "are considered to be one of the best annual meteor shower" with 120 meteors per hour at peak times.

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