Ursids 2026: peak, rates and where to look
The Ursids are active from December 17 to December 26 and peak around December 22. At best, about 10 meteors per hour can be seen under a dark sky. They enter the atmosphere at 33 km/s and come from debris shed by 8P/Tuttle.
PeakDecember 22
ZHR10
Speed33 km/s
Moon at peak96%
| Active | December 17 – December 26 |
|---|---|
| Radiant | Little Bear (Ursa Minor), +75° |
| Parent body | 8P/Tuttle |
| Meteors per hour (ZHR) | 10 |
| Best seen from the Northern Hemisphere |
Next peak
| Year | Peak | Moon at peak |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tue, December 22 | 96% |
| 2027 | Wed, December 22 | 25% |
| 2028 | Fri, December 22 | 33% |
| 2029 | Sat, December 22 | 98% |
| 2030 | Sun, December 22 | 7% |
IMO URS. Peak: λ☉ = 270.7°.