Columbus, OH – Residents across the Ohio Valley will have a chance to spot shooting stars tonight as the Ursid meteor shower reaches its peak from Sunday night, December 21, into early Monday morning, December 22. Under clear and dark conditions, skywatchers could see up to 10 meteors per hour, especially during the overnight hours.
According to NASA and the American Meteor Society, the best viewing window begins late Sunday evening and lasts 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 progresses.
The Ursids are a quieter meteor shower compared to others during the year, but they are known for occasional brief bursts of activity. Observers in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and parts of western Pennsylvania are encouraged to seek out areas away from city lights, dress for cold temperatures, and allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
With the shower peaking near the winter solstice, viewers will benefit from one of the longest nights of the year, increasing the chances of spotting meteors if skies cooperate. While modest, the Ursid meteor shower offers a peaceful and seasonal skywatching opportunity across the Ohio Valley.
