Boston, MA – Stargazers across New England have a prime opportunity to catch shooting stars tonight as the Ursid meteor shower reaches its annual peak from Sunday night, December 21, into early Monday morning, December 22. Under dark skies, viewers may see up to 10 meteors per hour, especially during the overnight hours.
According to NASA and the American Meteor Society, the best time to watch will be from late Sunday evening through dawn Monday. The shower’s radiant is located near Kochab, a bright star in the constellation Ursa Minor, which sits above the northern horizon throughout December and climbs higher as the night progresses.
The Ursids are known for their modest but reliable activity, producing short bursts of meteors that can surprise patient observers. Residents across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are encouraged to find a dark viewing spot away from city lights, dress warmly, and allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
The timing of the shower near the winter solstice provides one of the longest nights of the year, increasing viewing opportunities if skies remain clear. While not the strongest meteor shower of the year, the Ursids offer a peaceful and seasonal skywatching experience across the New England region.
