The Ursid Meteor shower could be extra prolific this year. It starts Dec. 17 and peaks on Dec.22, 2019.
Image Credit: Earthsky.org
December 17, 2019 - 7:00 AM
A little known but potentially eye-catching meteor shower is expected to peak this week in Kamloops and the Okanagan.
The Ursid meteor shower will begin to be visible tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 17 and is scheduled to peak on the night of Sunday, Dec. 22.
According to Astronomy.com, the meteor shower is often overlooked, in part because other meteor showers are more prevalent. This year’s shower coincides with a waning crescent moon, which means there will be little light interference.
Start viewing the shower around 1 a.m., looking north toward the Little Dipper. As the night progresses, meteor activity will climb higher in the sky as dawn approaches.
Astronomers are predicting this year’s shower could produce a rate of meteors double or triple the normal five to 10 meteors an hour usually seen in the Ursid.
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