Nashville, TN – Skywatchers across the Tennessee Valley will have an opportunity to spot shooting stars tonight as the Ursid meteor shower reaches its annual peak from Sunday night, December 21, into early Monday morning, December 22. Under clear, 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 observe the Ursids will be from late Sunday evening through dawn Monday. The meteors radiate from a point near the bright star Kochab in the constellation Ursa Minor, which remains visible above the northern horizon throughout December and rises higher as the night progresses.
The Ursid meteor shower is typically quieter than other well-known showers, but it can still produce sudden bursts of activity. Residents across Tennessee, northern Alabama, southern Kentucky, and parts of Mississippi are encouraged to find a dark viewing location away from city lights, dress warmly for cold temperatures, and allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
With the shower peaking near the winter solstice, the Tennessee Valley will experience one of the longest nights of the year, providing extended viewing opportunities if skies remain clear. While modest, the Ursids offer a calm and seasonal skywatching experience for stargazers across the region.
