Ursids Radiant - December 22nd
The Minor meteor shower, the Ursids is happening right now. The phase of the Moon on December 22nd in the morning during the peak of the Ursids Meteor Shower will be a waxing crescent with 31% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated. This is decent news for this shower as there will be less moonlight in the sky. The Ursids is a minor meteor shower so viewers shouldn’t expect too much activity. Each year in December, the comet 8P/Tuttle’s dust particles and debris are responsible for producing this event. In 2008, this comet passed pretty close to Earth so maybe we’ll see a little more activity.
Last year I was hoping that this would increase activity, but it didn’t. Whether the comet is close or not, occasionally this meteor shower has had high outbursts. I think this year a few more meteors can be added to the zenith hourly rate (ZHR) which is usually about ten or so. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere get the best views of this meteor shower because the radiant is near Ursa Minor that is also known as the “Little Dipper”. Ursa Minor also contains Polaris the North Star.
Only the most hard-core meteor enthusiasts should be out looking at this meteor shower, especially if it’s cold. If you do, I suggest you dress warmly and bring some hot chocolate out with you to sip. I’ll be out observing, because one never knows what could happen when it comes to meteor showers. In the year 2000 there were reports of Ursids meteor outbursts up to an equivalent of 90 meteors per hour! Remember I’m not saying this will happen, but you won’t know unless you gaze at the morning skies.
Your comments and questions are always welcome. If you’ve enjoyed my blog, how about treating me to a cup of coffee? I’ll need them in the morning to stay warm and alert. Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Dec 30th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
MAybe I was lucky. On Saturday December 26, 2009 I spooted a bright green ball with a yellow tail streaking across the sky.
I was on the 401 a few kilometers West of Darlington Nuclear Station when I spotted it. From the time I saw it to the time it faded was aprox. 5-10 seconds.
I have been trying to find any other reports of this sighting but to no avail so far.
on Jan 1st, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Hello! How often does the Quadrantids Meteor Shower appear? When is the next best shower for viewing in Los Angeles?
thanks for your expertise!
on Jan 1st, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Michelle,
The new post about the Quadrantids on the home page.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark