Ursid meteor shower 2025 peaks December 21-22 with up to 10 meteors per hour. Learn the best date, time, and viewing tips.
As of December 22, 2025, the Ursid meteor shower is reaching its peak tonight and into the early morning hours, marking the final major celestial event of the year. This low-key but charming shower, often overshadowed by the Geminids, coincides with the winter solstice and benefits from near-perfect viewing conditions thanks to a thin crescent moon. Hashtags like #UrsidMeteorShower and #WinterSolstice are trending as skywatchers share tips and excitement online.
The Peak and Timing
The Ursid meteor shower is active from approximately December 13 to 24, with the peak occurring overnight on December 21-22, 2025. Maximum activity is predicted around 11:00 UTC on December 22, translating to the evening of December 21 through dawn on December 22 for most observers. The best viewing window is typically from late evening until pre-dawn, when rates may reach 5-10 meteors per hour under ideal dark skies, though occasional bursts can occur.
This year, the new moon on December 20 provides exceptionally dark skies, enhancing visibility of the faint, medium-velocity meteors.
Background and Context
The Ursids originate from debris left by Comet 8P/Tuttle, a short-period comet orbiting the sun every 13.5 years. Meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper), near the bright orange star Kochab. Unlike major showers like the Perseids or Geminids, the Ursids are modest but reliable, with rare outbursts recorded in past years.
The shower’s name derives from Ursa Minor, and its radiant remains circumpolar in the Northern Hemisphere, visible all night long.
How to Watch
The Ursids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, as the radiant never rises high enough in the Southern Hemisphere. No telescope or binoculars are needed—just your eyes.
Key tips for optimal viewing:
- Find a dark location away from city lights to minimize light pollution.
- Allow your eyes to adjust to darkness for at least 30 minutes.
- Face the northern sky (toward Ursa Minor) but scan the entire sky, as meteors can appear anywhere.
- Bundle up—December nights are cold!
- View for at least an hour, ideally in the pre-dawn hours when the radiant is highest.
In India, the peak aligns with the night of December 22 into the early hours of December 23. Visibility is best in northern cities like Delhi and Hyderabad from evening onward, while southern locations may see activity earlier in the night. Clear skies and low light pollution are key.
Reactions and Implications
Skywatchers worldwide are buzzing about the favorable conditions, with many noting this as the last chance for a meteor shower in 2025. Online discussions highlight the shower’s “quiet charm” and its alignment with the longest night of the year. Some reports mention potential minor aurora activity in northern latitudes, adding to the celestial spectacle.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ursid meteor shower offers a serene end to the year’s stargazing events, with dark skies and modest but rewarding activity. Whether you’re in a rural area or a city park, step outside and look up for a glimpse of these winter “shooting stars.”
Did you catch any Ursids? Share your sightings and photos below!