Ursids 2026
The year's quiet finale: ~10 meteors per hour radiating from the Little Dipper. A northern-hemisphere-only shower for dedicated observers, with occasional outbursts to 25+/hr.
Moon conditions for the 2026 peak
A waxing gibbous moon interferes in 2026, so watch after moonset in the pre-dawn hours.
How to watch the Ursids
- Circumpolar radiant: the Ursids can be watched all night, though after midnight is best.
Check your sky first:meteors don't care about clouds, but you will. Open your city's page on our live conditions indexfor tonight's hour-by-hour cloud forecast, or find a certified dark-sky site within driving distance: the single biggest upgrade to your meteor count.
Free Ursids peak sky alerts, no app required
One email when aurora conditions align at your location, plus meteor reminder and go-time emails for peaks worth watching. Web alerts cover one US location per email.
Ursids 2026: FAQ
›When do the Ursids peak in 2026?
Night of December 22–23, 2026. The shower is active December 17 – 26, so nights within a few days of the peak still produce elevated rates, useful insurance if peak night is cloudy where you are.
›What time should I watch the Ursids?
After midnight. The radiant (Near the Little Dipper's bowl (north)) needs to be above the horizon for you to see meteors, and rates climb as it rises higher.
›How many meteors will I see during the Ursids?
The ideal-condition rate is up to 10/hour. Realistically: from a dark rural site expect a third to a half of that; from the suburbs, far fewer. A waxing gibbous moon interferes in 2026, so watch after moonset in the pre-dawn hours.
›Where do the Ursids come from?
Comet 8P/Tuttle. Each year Earth crosses the debris left along its orbit, and those particles hit our atmosphere at 33 km/s, vaporizing as the streaks we call meteors.
›Do I need a telescope for the Ursids?
No. Meteors cross large areas of sky, so unaided eyes with the widest possible view win. Bring a reclining chair, dress warmer than you think you need, and give your eyes 20 minutes to dark-adapt.