What's happened
The Ursid meteor shower is active from December 17 to 26, peaking on December 22-23 with 5-10 meteors per hour visible mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. It follows the Geminid shower, which peaked December 13-14 with up to 120 meteors per hour. Both events benefit from minimal moonlight, enhancing visibility under dark skies.
What's behind the headline?
Meteor Showers: A Seasonal Celestial Spectacle
Meteor showers like the Geminids and Ursids offer predictable, natural light shows caused by Earth intersecting debris trails from space objects. The Geminids, peaking mid-December, are among the most prolific, producing up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Their brightness and multi-colored streaks stem from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon's unique composition.
The Ursids, peaking around the winter solstice, are more subdued with fewer meteors but still provide a notable display, especially given the minimal moonlight interference this year. Both showers highlight the importance of dark skies and minimal light pollution for optimal viewing.
These events also underscore the dynamic nature of our solar system, as Earth continually encounters cosmic debris. For observers, they offer a chance to connect with the cosmos without specialized equipment, emphasizing accessibility.
Looking ahead, the Ursids' peak on December 22-23 offers a final opportunity this year for skywatchers to witness meteor activity before the year ends. The timing near the winter solstice adds cultural and astronomical significance, marking a transition in Earth's solar journey.
In sum, these meteor showers provide both scientific insight into space debris and a shared human experience of wonder, encouraging outdoor observation and appreciation of natural phenomena.
What the papers say
The New York Times describes the Ursids as a "winter solstice light show" active through December 26, with meteors radiating near the Little Dipper and visible only in the Northern Hemisphere. It notes the moon will be only 3% full during the peak, aiding visibility. The Independent emphasizes the Ursids' subdued nature compared to other showers but highlights their worthiness for viewing, quoting astronomer Peter Brown: "The darker your sky, the better the shower is going to be." The American Meteor Society estimates 5-10 meteors per hour, with possible outbursts up to 25.
Regarding the Geminids, multiple sources including The Independent and The Scotsman detail their peak on December 13-14, with up to 120 meteors per hour visible mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. The Geminids' greenish hues are attributed to their chemical composition, including oxygen, magnesium, and nickel. Dr. Robert Massey from the Royal Astronomical Society advises naked-eye viewing away from light pollution for the best experience.
BBC News provides broader context, noting the Geminids' origin from asteroid 3200 Phaethon and their intensifying activity over the years. It also situates the Ursids as following the Geminids, peaking near the winter solstice with a lower meteor rate.
Together, these sources offer a comprehensive view of the meteor showers' timing, visibility conditions, and scientific background, encouraging readers to observe these natural phenomena under optimal conditions.
How we got here
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris streams left by comets or asteroids. The Geminids originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, producing bright, multi-colored meteors. The Ursids come from comet 8P/Tuttle, with fewer meteors but still visible. These annual events are best seen away from city lights under dark, clear skies.
Go deeper
- When is the best time to see the Ursid meteor shower?
- How do the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers differ?
- What conditions improve meteor shower visibility?
Common question
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What Are the Key Sky Events in December 2025?
December 2025 offers a spectacular lineup of celestial phenomena that skywatchers won't want to miss. From a rare supermoon coinciding with the Cold Moon to the peak of the Geminid meteor shower and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, this month is packed with astronomical wonders. Curious about when and how to see these events? Keep reading to find out the best times and tips for witnessing December's stunning night sky.
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When is the best time to see December’s night sky and celestial events?
December offers a spectacular array of celestial phenomena, from a rare supermoon to the Geminid meteor shower and the Northern Lights visible in parts of the UK. Curious about when and where to catch these stunning sights? Below, you'll find answers to common questions about observing these events, what equipment you might need, and why December is such a special month for stargazing.
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What Are the Key Celestial Events Happening in December 2025?
December 2025 is packed with spectacular night sky events that are perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike. From the Cold Supermoon to the Geminid meteor shower and auroras, there's plenty to see. Curious about when these events happen and how to best view them? Keep reading for all the details and tips to make the most of this celestial month.
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When is the Geminid meteor shower happening and how can I see it?
The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular sky events of the year, peaking overnight on December 14-15, 2025. With up to 120 meteors per hour visible under dark skies, it's a must-see for stargazers. Wondering when and how to catch this dazzling display? Keep reading for all the details, including viewing tips and scientific background.
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When is the best time to see the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers?
Looking up at the night sky can be a breathtaking experience, especially during meteor showers. The Geminid and Ursid showers are two of the most anticipated events of the year, offering spectacular displays of shooting stars. But when exactly is the best time to catch these celestial shows? Read on to find out the optimal viewing times, how to enhance your experience, and where to look for these dazzling meteors.
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When is the Best Time to See the Ursid Meteor Shower?
If you're interested in catching a winter sky show, the Ursid meteor shower offers a beautiful spectacle worth watching. Active from December 17 to 26, with its peak around December 22-23, this meteor shower is best viewed under dark, clear skies in the Northern Hemisphere. Curious about how to maximize your viewing experience or how it compares to other meteor showers? Keep reading for all the details you need to enjoy this winter light show.
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Why Are Meteor Showers More Visible in Winter?
Many people notice that meteor showers seem more spectacular during the winter months. But why is that? The colder weather, darker skies, and specific celestial events all play a role in making winter the prime time for meteor viewing. Curious about what makes winter the best season for these cosmic light shows? Keep reading to find out why meteor showers are more visible in winter and how you can make the most of these natural phenomena.
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How Can I Watch Meteor Showers Clearly? Tips & Best Practices
Meteor showers are spectacular natural events that light up the night sky, but seeing them clearly requires some planning. Whether you're a casual skywatcher or an aspiring astronomer, knowing the best ways to observe these celestial displays can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll cover how to see meteor showers clearly, what equipment helps, and the best times to catch these dazzling lights. Keep reading to learn how to maximize your meteor shower viewing experience.
More on these topics
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
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Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. According to radiometric dating estimation and other evidence, Earth formed over 4.5 billion years ago.
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A supermoon is a full moon or a new moon that nearly coincides with perigee—the closest that the Moon comes to the Earth in its elliptic orbit—resulting in a slightly larger-than-usual apparent size of the lunar disk as viewed from Earth.
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3200 Phaethon, provisional designation 1983 TB, is an active Apollo asteroid with an orbit that brings it closer to the Sun than any other named asteroid. For this reason, it was named after the Greek myth of Phaëthon, son of the sun god Helios. It is 5.
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Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Robert Lee Massey is an American football coach and former professional player. He is the head football coach for Winston-Salem State University, a position he has held since 2019.
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The International Meteor Organization was formally founded in 1988 from predecessor gatherings over many years. IMO has several hundred members and was created in response to an ever-growing need for international cooperation on amateur and professional m
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The Ursids meteor activity begins annually around December 17 and runs for a week plus, until the 25th or 26th. This meteor shower is named for its radiant point, which is located near the star Beta Ursae Minoris in the constellation Ursa Minor.