Houston, TX – Stargazers along the Gulf Coast will have a chance 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 and dark skies, viewers may see up to 10 meteors per hour, particularly during the overnight hours.
According to NASA and the American Meteor Society, the best time to view the Ursids will be from late Sunday evening through dawn Monday. The meteors radiate from near the bright star Kochab in the constellation Ursa Minor, which sits above the northern horizon throughout December and climbs higher as the night progresses.
The Ursid meteor shower is known for its subtle but steady activity, occasionally producing brief bursts of meteors. Observers across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle are encouraged to find a dark location away from city lights, dress comfortably for cooler nighttime temperatures, and allow time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness.
With the shower peaking near the winter solstice, the Gulf Coast will experience one of the longer nights of the year, offering extended viewing opportunities if skies remain clear. While not the strongest meteor shower of the year, the Ursids provide a calm and seasonal skywatching experience for Gulf Coast residents.
