After the Geminids meteor shower, it's time to turn your gaze towards the Ursids. While the Geminids may have left you wanting more, the Ursids offer a unique spectacle of their own. Despite producing fewer meteors per hour (a maximum of 10), there's an undeniable satisfaction in witnessing these subtle celestial events.
The source of the Ursids is the comet 8P/Tuttle, discovered in 1858 by the American astronomer Horace Parnell Tuttle. This comet is a prolific producer of dust grains that create the Ursid meteor shower.
The peak of the Ursids occurs on the night of December 22nd to 23rd. The meteors radiate from the constellation of Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear. To view this, look due north at midnight as the date transitions from December 22nd to 23rd. Since Ursa Minor is circumpolar from the UK, it's visible all year round, so you can catch the radiant as soon as the sun sets.
However, there's a catch. Due to the radiant's northern location, the Ursids are not visible from the southern hemisphere. So, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, you'll have to wait for another opportunity to witness this shower.
Meteor watching is an art that requires patience, especially with low-frequency showers like the Ursids. Make sure to bundle up warmly, especially your feet, and bring a deckchair and blanket to avoid standing for extended periods. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the beauty of the Ursids without discomfort.
