Get ready to bundle up and witness the last meteor shower of 2023 as it peaks on December 21. The Ursid meteor shower is set to appear in the night sky, with the show coming from the leftovers of Comet 8P/Tuttle discovered back in 1790.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left by comets, resulting in a fiery display of meteors. This year’s Ursid meteor shower will be visible from just below and to the right of the Little Dipper constellation, but can be spotted anywhere in the night sky.
To maximize your viewing experience, head out before midnight on December 21 when the quarter Moon is set to rise. However, note that this shower is considered “low-key” with only a handful of meteor sightings per hour. Sudden bursts of up to 100 meteors an hour can occur in some years, but these are rare.
For optimal viewing conditions, look towards the South where clear skies are forecasted from Los Angeles to Arizona, Texas, and the Southeast. Unfortunately, clouds will block the show across parts of the Northwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast. Temperatures in the teens and single digits are expected in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast during peak viewing times, making it hazardous to be outside for extended periods.
Source: https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/ursid-meteor-shower-winter-solstice