The Ursid meteor shower is set to return in late December 2025, offering skywatchers one of the final natural light shows of the year. Although it is less intense than some other annual showers, the Ursids provide a valuable opportunity to enjoy meteors streaking across the night sky under favorable conditions.
When the Ursids Will Be Active and Peak
The Ursid meteor shower runs each year from approximately mid‑December into late December, with the 2025 display expected to be active from about December 13 through December 24 or 26. Its peak activity is forecast to occur overnight on December 21 into the early morning of December 22, 2025, with the strongest activity centered around that period.
This timing is particularly favorable because the moon will be a thin crescent or near new phase, meaning that moonlight will not significantly wash out the view of fainter meteors, giving observers darker skies around peak activity.
What Causes the Ursid Meteor Shower
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the trail of dust and debris left behind by a comet. In the case of the Ursids, the debris originates from comet 8P/Tuttle, a periodic comet that orbits the Sun approximately every 13.6 years. As Earth crosses this debris field each December, tiny particles enter the atmosphere and burn up at high speed, producing the bright streaks we call meteors.
The shower’s radiant point—the area in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate—is located near the star Kochab in the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper. This location remains above the horizon throughout the night in much of the Northern Hemisphere, meaning meteors can be visible at any time after dark, though activity usually increases toward the early morning hours.
Expected Meteor Rates and Behavior
The Ursids are typically considered a minor meteor shower compared to major events like the Geminids or Perseids. Under ideal dark‑sky conditions, observers may see around 5 to 10 meteors per hour at peak, though this number can vary depending on local sky conditions and light pollution. Rarely, the Ursids have produced much higher rates during historical outbursts, but such intense activity is not predicted this year.
Ursid meteors tend to be of medium speed, entering Earth’s atmosphere at roughly 33 kilometers per second and often appearing relatively faint. Because of this, finding a location with minimal artificial light will greatly enhance the viewing experience.
Where and How to Watch
The Ursids are best observed from the Northern Hemisphere, where the radiant stays high in the sky throughout the night. To maximize your chances of seeing the most meteors:
Choose a location away from city lights and other sources of light pollution.
Allow your eyes at least 15–20 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Lie back or use a reclining chair and scan as much of the sky as possible rather than focusing only on one spot.
Dress warmly and be prepared to watch for an extended period, especially in the late night and early morning hours around the peak.
Meteors can appear in any part of the sky, so while looking toward the radiant in Ursa Minor (northward in the Northern Hemisphere) is helpful, keeping your gaze open to the whole sky will improve your view.
Why the Ursids Matter
Although not as prolific as some other annual showers, the Ursids offer astronomy enthusiasts one last meteor event to enjoy before the end of the year. The shower’s timing near the winter solstice and under typically crisp, clear skies makes it ideal for those who enjoy night sky observing and are willing to brave cold weather for a chance to see these delicate celestial streaks.
Observers who miss the peak can still catch meteors on nights before and after December 21–22, as Earth continues to move through the debris stream. With solid planning and attention to sky conditions, the Ursids can be a rewarding and peaceful stargazing experience to close out 2025.