Catch the Final Meteor Shower of 2022: Ursids Light Up the Night Sky
Memphis, TN – As the year wraps up, the celestial show continues with the Ursid meteor shower, expected to peak on Sunday, December 22. The first meteors have already begun to streak across the night sky, as captured in a recently released video from Memphis.
On Saturday night, spectacular fireballs lit up the heavens, putting on a dazzling display. While the Geminid shower, which typically produces around 35 to 70 meteors per hour at its peak, has been the main meteor event of the season, the Ursids can still bring a pleasant surprise.
Under ideal observing conditions, the Ursid meteor shower can produce 5 to 10 meteors per hour. These "shooting stars" are caused by the Earth passing through a field of debris left by a comet. No special equipment is needed to view them; just clear skies and a keen eye.
The Ursids originate from Comet 8P/Tuttle, which was discovered in 1790. The comet has a long orbital period of approximately 13.6 years, making its debris intersection with Earth’s orbit less frequent and producing a less intense shower than some others.
While the Ursids may not be as bright as some other meteor showers, they still offer a great excuse to enjoy a clear night. Bundle up, find a comfortable spot away from city lights, and look up. You might just catch a glimpse of December’s unexpected sparkle in the sky.
