Meteor shower an early Christmas show

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – It is one of the best years to view the Ursids meteor shower, unfortunately it does not look like Mother Nature will be cooperating here in the Southern Interior.

The Ursids meteor shower is considered a minor shower, producing about five to 10 meteors per hour, though it has been known to produce short bursts of up to 100. The shower runs from Dec. 17 to 25 and is expected to peak from midnight through dawn on either Dec. 22 or 23.

There is no moonlight Monday night so this show has the potential to be the best for years to come. Unfortunately, cloudy conditions predicted by Environment Canada all day Monday and Tuesday throughout the region may interfere.

If the clouds break or you can find a place above them you may notice the meteors radiating from Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, though they can appear anywhere in the sky.

When viewing meteor showers it is best to head out of town, far away from city lights. Bring a warm blanket, lay down and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky for about 20 to 30 minutes. The best time to view these meteors is just after midnight though the lack of moon means you should be able to see them all night, if the clouds clear.

Want to try capturing some photos of the meteor shower? Here are some tips for night photography.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.