Ursid Meteor Shower 2025 Peaks This Weekend: Your Guide to the Year’s Final Shooting Stars

The final major meteor shower of 2025 is set to peak this weekend. Skywatchers can look for the Ursids overnight from December 21 into the dawn of December 22. The shower will offer a modest but beautiful display of up to 10 meteors per hour.

This celestial event coincides with dark, moonless skies in 2025. This provides an excellent viewing opportunity for patient observers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Ideal Conditions for December’s Celestial Show

The American Meteor Society confirms the peak timing. Maximum activity is predicted around 11 UTC on December 22. The new moon on December 20 ensures the sky will be exceptionally dark.

The Ursids are active from December 17 through December 26. Their radiant point is near the star Kochab in the constellation Ursa Minor. This makes the shower circumpolar and visible all night for northern observers.

A Modest But Reliable Display from Comet Debris

The Ursid meteor shower originates from Comet 8P/Tuttle. Earth passes through the trail of dust and ice particles left by the comet. These particles vaporize in our atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light.

The shower typically produces a Zenithal Hourly Rate of about 10 meteors. According to astronomy outlet EarthSky, occasional unpredictable outbursts have been recorded. These rare events can boost rates significantly, creating a more memorable show.

The Ursid meteor shower offers a quiet, reflective close to the year’s celestial calendar. For those willing to brave the December chill, it promises a serene display of nature’s fireworks under perfect dark skies.

Thought you’d like to know

When is the best time to watch the Ursid meteor shower in 2025?

The best viewing is from late evening on Sunday, December 21, through dawn on Monday, December 22. The peak of activity is predicted for the early UTC hours of the 22nd.

How many meteors per hour will the Ursids produce?

Under ideal dark skies, observers can expect to see 5 to 10 Ursid meteors per hour. The shower is known for being modest but consistent, with rare historical outbursts.

Where in the sky should I look to see the Ursids?

Look generally toward the north. The meteors will appear to radiate from near the Little Dipper asterism (Ursa Minor), which circles the North Star.

What causes the Ursid meteor shower?

The shower is caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Comet 8P/Tuttle. Dust particles from the comet burn up in our atmosphere, creating meteors.

Do I need any special equipment to see the meteor shower?

No special equipment is needed. Your eyes are the best tool. Simply find a dark location away from city lights, let your eyes adjust for 20-30 minutes, and look up.

Why are the Ursids less famous than other meteor showers?

The Ursids peak just before Christmas and shortly after the much more active Geminid meteor shower. Their lower hourly rate often places them in the shadow of December’s busier holiday season.