2025's last meteor shower peaks tonight: How to watch Ursids?
What's the story
The Ursid meteor shower, the last major shooting star display of 2025, will peak tonight. The celestial event occurs as Earth passes through the debris trail left by comet 8P/Tuttle. The Ursid meteor shower is active from December 17-26, with peak activity expected overnight on December 22-23. Under dark skies, viewers could see up to 10 shooting stars per hour during this time.
Observation guide
Viewing tips for the meteor shower
To spot the Ursid meteors, look toward a patch of sky near Kochab, a bright star in the constellation Ursa Minor. This constellation is visible above the northern horizon throughout December. The best time to observe these meteors is from tonight until dawn tomorrow. The peak coincides with December's new Moon phase, offering nearly pristine skies for viewing shooting stars.
Viewing strategy
How to locate the ideal spot for viewing meteors
To find the best spot for viewing Ursid meteors, use a skywatching smartphone app to locate Kochab in the northern sky. Then, look for a patch of sky 40 degrees above this bright star toward your local zenith (the point directly overhead). Here, meteor trails will be longest. Remember that four "fists" stacked on top of Kochab equals about 40 degrees in the night sky.
Celestial alignment
Ursid meteor shower coincides with winter solstice
The Ursid meteor shower coincides with the winter solstice, when Earth's axis is tilted farthest from the Sun. This gives the northern hemisphere its longest night of the year. To see faintest meteors in near-pristinely dark December sky, allow your eyes to adjust to dark for up to 30 minutes.