Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73, FreeDigitalPhotos. |
The 2011 Ursid Meteor Shower will be at its peak near Winter Solstice, December 22nd and 23rd. The shower is visible in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
City lights, called light pollution, can interfere with viewing. So can reflected moonlight, but the currently waning crescent moon allows optimal visibility.
Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The Ursid Meteor Shower appears near the constellation Ursa Minor, the Little Dipper.
Check out these sites for more information about the Ursid Meteor Shower, including recommended viewing times for your corner of the globe.
- EarthSky: 2011 Ursid meteor shower active around winter solstice
- American Meteor Society Viewing Prospects for the 2011 Ursid Meteor Shower
- Starry Skies: Ursa Minor
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I absolutely love star gazing and unfortunately I have never ever witnessed a meteor shower even once in my life. I think it’s probably due to light pollution.
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