Ursids 2026: night of December 22/23 – when and where to watch?
The Ursids close the annual meteor-shower calendar, appearing just before the winter solstice. They are weaker than the December Geminids, but their radiant lies close to the celestial pole and remains visible throughout the night, providing flexibility when planning an observation.
See also the meteor-shower calendar and the Geminids guide.
Meteor Shower Calendar 2026
Compare peak dates, shower activity, Moon conditions and the best observing nights.
View the meteor calendarGeminids 2026
Check the peak night, observing conditions and the key facts about the strongest meteor shower of the year.
View the Geminids guideUrsids 2026 – essential information
Ursids 2026 — key information at a glance
The following overview gathers the essential details needed to plan an observation: date, conditions, location and practical preparation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When are the Ursids in 2026?
The Ursids peak on the night of December 22/23, 2026, close to the winter solstice. It is the longest night of the year, providing an exceptionally long observing window.
Where should you look for the Ursids?
The radiant lies in the constellation Ursa Minor, close to Polaris, so it remains visible throughout the night. This is one of the few meteor showers for which you do not need to wait for the radiant to rise.
Will the Moon interfere in 2026?
Observing the Ursids will be difficult in 2026 because the Moon will be about 96% illuminated during the peak. Choose a location where a building or trees can block the lunar disc, look toward the opposite part of the sky and concentrate mainly on the brightest meteors.
What are the Ursids and where do they come from?
The shower originates from comet 8P/Tuttle, which orbits the Sun approximately every 13.6 years. The Ursids are relatively poorly studied compared with other showers, partly because they occur during the holiday period, when fewer observers go outside.
How to prepare for the Ursids in 10 minutes
- Dress very warmly — this is one of the coldest meteor showers and occurs close to the longest night of the year.
- Find a location with an open view toward the northern sky and Polaris.
- Use the long December night — you do not need to wait for a specific hour.
- Bring a hot drink and a warm cover for your legs.
- Check the cloud forecast using the live storm and precipitation radar.
How to photograph the Ursids?
Use a tripod, a wide-angle lens aimed toward the celestial pole and a sequence of many exposures. More advice is available in the guide to photographing the night sky and stars.
NIGHT-SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
How to photograph the night sky and meteors?
Learn camera settings, lens selection, manual focusing and how to work with a sequence of multiple exposures.
December is also the peak of the northern-lights season, so check the aurora radar as well.
LIVE TOOL
Northern Lights Radar
Check current space-weather parameters, the aurora forecast and conditions for selected locations.
Frequently asked questions about the Ursids
When are the Ursids in 2026?
The peak occurs on the night of December 22/23, 2026, close to the winter solstice.
How many meteors can you see during the Ursids?
Under typical conditions, the ZHR is about 10 meteors per hour.
Where do the Ursids come from?
Their parent body is comet 8P/Tuttle.
Why are the Ursids visible throughout the night?
The radiant lies close to Polaris and the celestial pole, so it does not set and remains visible throughout the night.
Are the Ursids the final meteor shower of the year?
Yes. They close the annual calendar of major meteor showers.
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Continue reading: other showers and tools
Compare neighbouring showers, check the Moon phase and prepare your camera before the next observing night.
Geminids 2026
Check the previous shower in the annual calendar, its peak, Moon conditions and the best observing hours.
View the previous showerQuadrantids 2026
Go to the next shower and plan the location, observing time and an alternative night in case of cloud cover.
View the next shower
Moon Phases 2026
Compare the shower peak with the full moon, new moon, moonrise and moonset before choosing an observing night.
Check the Moon phasesHow to photograph the night sky and meteors
Camera and phone settings, tripod, focus, ISO, exposure time and preparation of an image sequence for meteors.
Open the photography guide