Ursid meteor shower 2023: Here's when it peaks and the best time to see it in Arizona
The final meteor shower of 2023 is approaching, and its peak activity is expected around Dec. 21-22.
To catch the Ursid meteor shower in Arizona, enthusiasts should head to dark sky locations away from city lights. The best time to see the meteors is well after dark, so bundle up.
This year, the moonlight may potentially interfere with visibility, as the bright moon will be 89% illuminated. Despite this, enthusiasts may anticipate five meteors per hour and bright streaks across the night sky for this celestial event.
Here's everything to know about December's Ursid meteor shower.
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What is the Ursid meteor shower?
The Ursid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs in December when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet 8P/Tuttle. When the Earth intersects the comet's orbit, the debris left by the comet burns up in the Earth's atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light in the night sky known as meteors or shooting stars, according to Earth Sky.
The Ursids may not be as prolific as other meteor showers, such as the Perseids or Geminids, but they can still provide a decent display under optimal conditions. As with any meteor shower, the best time to observe the Ursids is during the predawn hours when the radiant, the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate, is highest in the sky.
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What time is the Ursid meteor shower?
According to Earth Sky, you’ll be able to see the shower at 4 UTC, which would be 9 p.m. in Arizona.
Where is the Ursid meteor shower visible?
The Ursid meteor shower is visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Viewing is more favorable at higher latitudes, although observers at mid-latitudes can still spot the meteors.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the Ursid meteor shower is generally not visible or only visible near the northern horizon.
How do I see the Ursids?
The Ursid meteor shower will be active from Dec. 13 to Dec. 24, peaking Dec. 21-22.
Go to a dark area — Arizona's higher elevations are prime viewing territory if you can get there — and allow your eyes to adjust to darkness for 20 to 30 minutes for peak viewing. Be patient, as meteor shower activity can be unpredictable.
What is the rate of the Ursid meteor shower?
The Ursids are known for producing bright meteors. During its peak, observers might see five to 10 meteors per hour. The rate can vary from year to year, according to the American Meteor Society. There can be occasional bursts of higher activity, leading to an increased number of meteors within a short time frame.
What constellation are the Ursids in?
The Ursid meteor shower gets its name from the fact that the meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear.
Specifically, the radiant point, which is the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate, is near the star Kochab in Ursa Minor, according to Earth Sky.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ursid meteor shower peaks in December 2023. Here's when to see it
