Ursid meteor shower 2023: How to watch the peak this week

Don't miss the Ursid meteor shower on December 23. Here's how to watch it in India.

Image for representational purpose. (Credit: Pixabay/DumitruS)

If you are looking for a celestial treat this winter, you might want to catch a glimpse of the Ursid meteor shower, which is expected to peak on December 23. The Ursids are minor meteor showers that occur every year around the winter solstice, when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by comet 8P/Tuttle.

The Ursids are not as spectacular as the Geminids, which dazzled the sky earlier this month; but they still offer us a chance to see some shooting stars in the cold night. The Ursids produce about five to 10 meteors per hour at their peak, under ideal conditions.

To watch the Ursids, you need to find a dark and clear spot away from the city lights. The best time to look for the meteors is the wee hours of December 22 and 23, before dawn. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear or the Little Dipper, which is circumpolar and visible all night in the northern hemisphere. You can use a sky map app on your phone to locate the constellation, or just look for the bright star Polaris, which marks the end of the Little Dipper’s handle.

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You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the Ursids; just your eyes and some patience. Dress warmly and bring a blanket or a chair to make yourself comfortable. Give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness, and then scan the sky for any streaks of light.

The Ursids are a low-key, but reliable meteor shower that can add some sparkle to your winter nights. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness some cosmic fireworks before the year ends.

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meteor
moon