The Ursids (URS) meteor activity begins annually around December 17 and runs for a week plus, until the 25th or 26th. This meteor shower is named for its radiant point which is located near the star Beta Ursae Minoris (Kochab) in the constellation Ursa Minor. Read more
The meteor shower is predicted to peak at 15:00 UT, 22nd December, 2012.
If the skies cooperate, we may be lucky enough to view the Ursids meteor shower tonight. The display is product of the comet 8P/Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 13.6 years. Read more
Ursae Minorids Shower Peak in the constellation Ursa Minor The Ursids are associated with the comet 8P/Tuttle.
ZHR=12.0 (although outbursts of about 100 per hour were seen in 1945 and 1986) Velocity=34.8km/s (medium speed) Radiant: RA=14.6h/219° Dec=75.3° (J2000)
There will be a Lunar Eclipse on December 20 or 21 depending on the area and thus, we will have a darker sky, but the stars will be brighter and the meteor shower seen. Read more
Some meteor showers, like the Perseids in August, have been watched each year at the same time for many centuries. But the Ursid meteor shower, which peaks in the next day or so, has been observed for only a single century. Read more