The Ursids Meteor Shower will peak this evening, providing you with one final chance to see a shooting star in 2019
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If you’re a fan of stargazing, make sure you mark tonight off in your astronomical calendar.
The Ursids Meteor Shower will peak this evening, providing you with one final chance to see a shooting star in 2019.
While the shower is fairly minor, there’s predicted to be up to 10 meteors per hour, meaning there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be able to see one.
Best of all, the meteor shower is visible with the naked eye, so there’s no need to splash out on expensive equipment to get involved!
Here’s everything you need to know about the Ursids Meteor Shower, including what it is, and how you can see it.
When is the Ursids Meteor Shower?
The Urisds takes place every December, but the peak will be on the evening of December 21 and morning of December 22 this year.
What’s the best time to see a meteor?
For your best chance of seeing a meteor yourself, look to the skies any time from sunset, and into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Tonight, sunset will happen at 15:53 GMT in the UK.
Where do the Ursids come from?
The Ursids Meteor Shower is produced by dust grains left behind by Comet Tuttle, which was first discovered back in 1790.
However, meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor in the night sky, so make sure you keep eye on that.
Tips for seeing a meteor
For your best chance of seeing a shooting star, try to head to an area with little light pollution, such as the countryside.
NASA advised: “It is winter so bundle up if you want to watch for meteors, as it is getting late in the year!
“Get to a dark spot, get comfortable, bring extra blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky.
“A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky.”
When is the next meteor shower?
If you miss the Ursids, unfortunately you’ve got to wait until next year to see another meteor shower.
In 2020, the first meteor shower is the Quadrantids Meteor Shwower, which will peak on the evening of January 3.
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
