Peak Viewing Window

Ursids Meteor Shower 2026

Verdict

Poor

Effective Rate

2 meteors/hr

The final meteor shower of the year, the Ursids are a low-key winter event radiating from near the Little Dipper.

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Moon Phase

88% Illumination

Waxing Gibbous

Theoretical Max

10 meteors/hr

↓Reduced by 88% moon glow

Effective Rate

2 meteors/hr

* Based on moon interference. Light pollution and atmospheric conditions will further reduce these visible rates.

Since the radiant is circumpolar in the north, it is visible all night, but best rates are usually in the hours before dawn. Bundle up!

Find the RadiantUrsa Minor

Identify the constellation Ursa Minor in the sky. Look slightly away from it to see longer, brighter streaks.

Parent Body CometThese meteors are cosmic debris left by 8P/Tuttle, which burning up in our upper atmosphere creates this annual display.