Want to watch a pre-Christmas meteor shower on Long Island? The Ursids will peak on the night of Saturday, December 23. Because the moon will be a factor, viewing might be obscured but early morning risers will get a treat.
- Peak nights: Friday, December 22 to Saturday, December 23, 2023.
- Moon phase: The waxing gibbous moon may interfere with the Ursids in 2023. The moon sets about three hours before sunrise so that’s your best bet.
- Sky location: The Ursids will seem to come from the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor).
- How many meteors: Expect to see seven to 10 meteors per hour.
- When to watch: The meteor shower will be active all night but experts say the best viewing time is in the predawn hours.
- Where do they come from: The comet 8P/Tuttle is the source of the Ursids.
- Where to observe: Find a dark spot or a park and get yourself a chair, a hot cup of coffee (or something a bit, ahem, stronger, and enjoy.
- Equipment needed: Bring warm clothes, the aforementioned hot drink, and a reclining chair. You don’t need a telescope or binoculars as you want to take in the widest view of the sky possible.