San Francisco, CA – Stargazers along the Pacific Coast will have a chance 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, clear skies, viewers may spot up to 10 meteors per hour, particularly during the overnight hours.
According to NASA and the American Meteor Society, the best viewing window runs from late Sunday evening through dawn Monday. The meteors appear to radiate from a point near Kochab, a bright star in the constellation Ursa Minor, which remains visible above the northern horizon throughout December and rises higher as the night goes on.
The Ursids are considered a quieter meteor shower compared to others during the year, but they are known for occasional short bursts of activity. Observers across California, Oregon, and Washington are encouraged to head away from city lights, especially along inland or coastal areas with clear skies, dress warmly, and allow time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness.
With the shower peaking close to the winter solstice, the Pacific Coast will experience one of the longest nights of the year, increasing viewing opportunities if clouds stay away. While modest, the Ursid meteor shower offers a peaceful and seasonal skywatching opportunity for West Coast stargazers.
