How to catch Ursid meteor shower

The Ursid meteor shower, an annual celestial event, will be at its most visible on the night of December 21st, continuing into the early hours of December 22nd. This meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the trail of debris left by Comet 8P/Tuttle.

For those in India, the radiant – the point in the sky from which the meteors seem to originate – will appear relatively low on the horizon. The radiant is located in the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper. Locating the North Star will help you find it; no special equipment is needed.

In areas free from light pollution, skywatchers can expect to see between five and ten meteors per hour, although occasional bursts of greater activity can occur. The new moon on December 20th will create ideal dark sky conditions for viewing in 2025. While the peak occurs on Sunday night, the shower's intensity should be nearly as strong the night before.

**Viewing Tips**

To maximize your chances of seeing the Ursids, find a dark location away from city lights. Face north or northeast, and lie back comfortably on a reclining chair, yoga mat, or similar surface. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 20 minutes. The best viewing time is in the pre-dawn hours, between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM IST, when the radiant is highest in the sky. Since December 21st is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, sunrise will be around 7:10 AM IST.

Remember to dress warmly for the cold December night. Any source of light will impair your ability to see meteors. While meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, they will all seem to trace back to the radiant point. No need to stare directly at the radiant; simply relax and observe the broader sky. Plan to spend at least two hours observing to increase your chances of spotting a good number of meteors. This is the year's final meteor shower.