The Ursids (URS) meteor activity begins annually around December 17 and runs for a week plus, until the 25th or 26th with a peak around the 23rd. This meteor shower is named for its radiant point, which is located near the star Beta Ursae Minoris (Kochab) in the constellation Ursa Minor. This year, the nearly new moon will leave dark skies for what should be a really good show.

 

The Ursids were probably discovered by William F. Denning who observed them for several years around the start of the 20th century.^[1] While there were sporadic observations after, the first coordinated studies of the shower didn't begin until Dr. A. Bečvář observed an outburst of 169 per hour in 1945.^[1] Further observations in the 1970s and ongoing to current have established a relationship with comet 8P/Tuttle.^[1] Peter Jenniskens and Esko Lyytinen discovered that outbursts could happen when comet Tuttle was at aphelion because some meteoroids get trapped in the 7/6 orbital resonance with Jupiter.

 

The Ursids have a particularly narrow stream, prompting veteran meteor observer, Norman W. McLeod, III (Florida) to comment that the Ursids 'must be a compact stream like the Quadrantids. You have to be within 12 hours of maximum to see much.'^[1]

 

From Wikipedia.

Time: Peak is the evening of December 22-23
Location: Meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
More information: https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/meteor-shower/ursids.html

Learn more about dark sky events and the island's application to be recognized by the International Dark Sky Association as a Dark Sky Sanctury at darkskyisland.org.