The Ursid meteor shower is a pre-Christmas treat that will peak on Sunday evening and into Monday morning, offering a rare opportunity to witness shooting stars in the night sky. The best viewing is expected to occur around 9 pm on Sunday, with many hours of darkness available due to the approaching winter solstice.
The meteors originate from the dust of Comet 8P/Tuttle, which travels at a speed of about 13.5 years around the Sun. Although it’s not a highly active shower, producing only around 10 meteors per hour, clear skies and darkness are essential for optimal viewing.
Weather conditions will play a significant role in the success of this event. A brisk north-westerly wind is forecast to bring cold Arctic air, but showers on Sunday night may lead to clearer skies by Monday morning. If you’re lucky enough to have cloud-free conditions, find a dark spot with an open sky and give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust.
Look to the north, as the shower will be sparse, and you won’t need binoculars or a telescope to spot the meteors. Although only a few meteors per hour are expected, it’s not long until the next shower, with the Quadrantids set to appear in January. Keep an eye on your local forecast for the latest updates.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/weather/articles/c5yxr122605o