Shooting Star Night over Germany: Where and when you can marvel at the Ursids

Created: 12/21/2021, 10:26 PM

From: Felix Durach

Shooting Star Night in December: the Ursids can be seen in the sky between December 17th and 26th.

a © Daniel Reinhardt / dpa

In December there are numerous shooting stars to marvel at.

Among other things, the Ursids, which have their climax on December 22nd just before Christmas.

Munich - For friends of shooting stars, December is something like the high season.

In addition to Advent, Christmas and New Year's Eve, there are also the shooting stars holidays for hobby astrologers.

Because in the last month of the year there are three different meteor streams that can be observed from Earth every year.

It starts with the Geminids, which can usually be admired between December 4th and 17th.

The Ursids follow shortly thereafter, before the Quadrantids end the shooting stars year.

Everything you need to know about the Ursids in 2021 has been summarized for you in this article.

Ursid shooting star night: when and where can you see them?

The Ursids can be seen shining from the earth between December 17th and 26th every year.

The climax of the falling stars is expected for December 22nd.

Then those interested can experience the Ursids in their full glory.

At least if the weather conditions play along.

The meteor shower can mainly be seen from the regions in the northern hemisphere.

Even in good weather conditions, however, it can be difficult to observe shooting stars among the Ursids.

This is mainly due to the fact that, unlike their predecessors, the Geminids, the Ursids are more of the calm meteor streams.

Interested hobby astrologers can expect around ten shooting stars per hour from the Ursids, even if the number can even rise to 50 meteors per hour in some years.

Ursid shooting stars: when is the climax? Bad omens in 2021

In 2021, however, the Ursids will literally be under a bad star. This is mainly due to the character of the meteor shower. The height of the Ursids is short and pointed. This means that before and after the climax there will be little or no falling stars and, especially at the climax, there will be something to be amazed at for those interested. The problem is, however, when the experts date the said high point: the early morning hours of December 22nd around 7.47 a.m. Since it is already getting light at this point in time, the view of the peak of the Ursids should be significantly restricted. In addition, there is an almost full moon in the sky and the view will continue to cloud. With a bit of luck, however, you can still be able toDecember caught a glimpse of a few falling stars.

Ursid shooting stars: origin and radians - all eyes on the little bear

Of course, in order to see at least part of the meteor shower, you have to know where to look.

The radiant, i.e. the apparent point of origin of the shooting stars, the Ursids, lies in the constellation of the little bear, which is also known as the little chariot.

The constellation is located in the northern sky near the North Star.

These, in turn, are actually good prerequisites for those interested, as the little bear in our areas is visible in the sky all night long.

The origin of the Ursids lies in the tail of the comet 8P / Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 13.5 years.

The meteor shower was first observed in 1900 by William F. Denning.

Tips and tricks for the Ursiden shooting star night

• To observe the Ursids, it is best to find a place with little light, from which you have a clear view of the sky and, above all, of the constellation Little Bear.

• Give your eyes about 15 to 20 minutes to get used to the lighting at night.

• Dress warmly and take several blankets with you so that you don't lose the fun with the shooting stars even when it's freezing in December.

• Be sure to check the weather report beforehand.

  With a cloudy night sky, the chances of seeing shooting stars are virtually zero.

• Take a comfortable sitting or lying position where you can keep your eyes on the sky.

  Then patience is required.

  Because shooting stars are often a long time coming.

Meteor shower Ursiden: These shooting star nights are next

On December 26th, the Ursids will be over for good.

But shooting stars friends don't have to wait long.

The Quadrantids, which can be observed between December 28th and January 12th, will follow in December.

The peak of the meteor shower is expected on January 4th.

Then up to 110 shooting stars per hour can be observed.

The next strong meteor shower is then announced for mid-April.

The lyrids can be observed between April 14th and April 30th, the peak of which is expected on April 22nd, 2022.

Hobby astrologers or people who still have a wish on their mind will definitely get their money's worth.

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