Ursid meteor shower peaks early Monday. Can it be seen in Mississippi?

The Ursid meteor shower will reach its peak early Monday, offering stargazers in Mississippi a rare chance to spot falling stars. Best viewed from dark locations away from city lights, the shower promises a brief but captivating celestial display for winter skywatchers.

The Ursid meteor shower, often overlooked during the busy holiday season and the winter solstice, is set to provide a final notable celestial event of the year. Observers can view the shower on the night of Sunday, December 21, and during the early hours of Monday, December 22.

According to reports, under ideal conditions away from artificial lights and without interference from the moon, the Ursids generally produce between five and ten meteors per hour. On rare occasions, meteor activity can increase dramatically, with as many as one hundred meteors visible in an hour.

Viewing the Ursid Meteor Shower in Mississippi

Residents of Mississippi can enhance their chances of seeing the meteor shower by following basic skywatching guidelines. Experts recommend finding locations distant from city lights and street lighting. Preparing for cold weather with blankets, sleeping bags, or lawn chairs is advised. Observers should lie flat on their backs and look upward to maximize sky coverage.

The Ursids will appear in the eastern sky, near Jupiter. It may take approximately thirty minutes for eyes to fully adjust to darkness and detect the meteor activity.

Earlier in December, the Geminid meteor shower reached its peak from December 4 to 17. Following the Ursids, the Quadrantid meteor shower will start around December 28, although its peak is not expected until January 2026.

Mississippi Weather Forecast for the Ursid Meteor Shower

Weather conditions will affect visibility, as cloud coverage can obscure meteors. The National Weather Service provided forecasts for several cities in Mississippi on the night of Sunday, December 21:

• Jackson: 47F with a 20% chance of showers
• Greenwood: 42F, partly cloudy with a 20% chance of rain
• Gulfport: 67F with a 30% chance of rain
• Hattiesburg: 50F with a 30% chance of rain
• Oxford: 37F, partly cloudy
• Starkville: 38F, partly cloudy

Cloud cover is expected to be widespread around midnight, which may limit meteor visibility across the state.

Recommended Viewing Locations in Mississippi

To maximize viewing opportunities, several locations offer darker skies with minimal light pollution. These sites include:

• Bienville National Forest (Bortle 3)
• Clark Creek Natural Area (Bortle 3)
• De Soto National Forest
• Delta National Forest
• French Camp
• Holly Springs National Forest
• Holmes County State Park (Bortle 3)
• Homochitto National Forest (Bortle 3)
• Leroy Percy State Park (Bortle 3)
• Tishomingo State Park (Bortle 3)
• Tombigbee National Forest

These areas provide darker skies that are ideal for stargazing and observing meteor showers.

Upcoming Astronomical Events

Looking ahead, the next full moon, known as the Wolf Moon, will occur on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The Winter Solstice of 2025 falls on Sunday, December 21, marking the official start of the winter season. In Jackson, Mississippi, daylight on the solstice will last approximately 10 hours and 1 minute.

The Ursid meteor shower offers a final opportunity to enjoy a natural celestial display in December, with the best chances in dark, open areas away from light pollution.

Sources:

• Ursid meteor shower peaks early Monday. Can it be seen in Mississippi?
• Ursid Meteor Shower Will Peak in December 2023
• How to Watch the Ursid Meteor Shower in Mississippi
• Ursid meteor shower peaks early Monday. Will you see it in Mississippi?