Only at the end of December before ChristmasIn it The Ursid meteor shower can be observed in the skies over the United StatesWhich happens every year at this time. The amazing astronomical phenomenon created by the remnants of a comet It will reach its peak between December 21 and 23 For the year 2025.
the Meteor shower Ursidswhich always reaches a maximum around the solstice It is best observed on the morning of December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. To meditate in maximum splendor, experts recommend Be on the lookout throughout the afternoon of December 21 until dawn.
Since the presence of meteors extends from December 13 to 24, it is possible to see some scattered debris With the peak of the Geminid meteor showerwhich has a higher hourly rate, depending on the location Earth sky.
In general, Five to ten occur per hour In a dark, moonless skyalthough in rare cases this happened Wind gusts of 100 or more were observed.
In 1790, Pierre Mischin Discovery of comet 8P/Tuttle From Paris, France, and provided an approximate orbit. It wasn’t until 68 years later, on January 5, 1858, that Horace Tuttle of Harvard University discovered it in the evening sky. It calculated an orbit with its return in 13.7 years. Hence, the star was baptized by his last name.
According to the researchers, The comet is mainly responsible for meteor showers. As it approaches the sun, the material trapped in the ice, i.e. the frozen space rock, sublimates He throws dust and stones as he goes around Solar system.
These are the leftovers that come from 8P/Tuttle They enter the atmosphere when the Earth crosses its orbit. to It breaks down due to friction-Create the optical illusion of a meteor shower.
Its point of origin is located, known as the radiant Near the constellation Ursa MinorWhere are you from His name comes (Little Bear).
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are approaching the date of the solstice They will find the Big Dipper and the star Orange giant Kushab, Ursa Minor, in the northeast about 1 (local time). This is the moment that You will be able to start seeing the meteor shower.
People seeking appreciation An astronomical phenomenon You will not need to use binoculars or other special equipment. It is also not recommended to look in any particular direction. Rather, experts find it useful to look at the entire sky.
According to the channel’s official website Space CenterPeople can follow these Recommendations for admiring the astronomical phenomenon: