Meteor shower execution guide
Ursids 2026: Peak Time, Bright Moon and Viewing Guidance
Direct answer
The Ursids are active December 17-26, with the IMO's listed 2026 maximum on December 22 at 22:00 UTC. The calendar also describes a weak modeled filament near 14:00 UTC with a ZHR below 20. A 96% illuminated Moon makes reliable optical observations unlikely; neither modeled rate is a personal count or a promise of an outburst. Check local Moon, radiant and cloud timing before deciding whether to watch.
The Ursids begin December 17. Check local Moon and cloud timing before planning a session; the 2026 Moon is a major limitation.
By The Star Window · Fact checked 2026-10-14 · Accountability and corrections
Active: December 17-26, 2026
Formal maximum: December 22, 2026 at 22:00 UTC
U.S. planning: Compare local darkness, Moon position, radiant height and clouds around December 21-23; do not treat 22:00 UTC as a universal local observing time
Moon: IMO lists a 96% illuminated Moon near the maximum and says reliable optical observations are unlikely
Expected activity: IMO reference ZHR 10, historically variable; a separate weak 2026 filament model is below ZHR 20
Best suited to: Northern Hemisphere; this page does not identify specific observing sites or access
2026 activity timeline
UTC reference timing with a U.S. planning handoff
- Dec. 17Activity begins
- Dec. 22, near 14:00 UTCWeak modeled filament; ZHR below 20
- Dec. 22, 22:00 UTCListed maximum; 96% Moon limits observing
- Dec. 26Activity ends
Timeline data: International Meteor Organization, reconciled with the American Meteor Society where noted. No nationwide local peak time is claimed.
What the 2026 calendar says
Separate the listed maximum from a weak modeled filament
The International Meteor Organization lists Ursid activity from December 17 through December 26, with the regular maximum on December 22 at 22:00 UTC. It separately mentions a weak filament encounter near 14:00 UTC with a modeled ZHR below 20.
The filament estimate is not an observed rate, storm warning or personal count. The IMO notes that the shower is poorly observed and that the bright Moon makes reliable optical data unlikely in 2026.
How much will the Moon interfere?
A major limitation, not an automatic local verdict
The 2026 calendar places a 96% illuminated Moon in Taurus near the Ursid maximum and says the chances for reliable optical data are small. Moonlight will hide many faint meteors.
The Moon's local altitude, direction and set time still vary by place. This page does not calculate a moon-free window or a local visibility verdict; check local sky timing before deciding whether to watch.
When should you watch?
Convert the UTC event time, then check the local sky
The listed 22:00 UTC maximum is an astronomical reference time, not a guaranteed best hour for every location. The separate 14:00 UTC filament estimate also should not be presented as a nighttime observing window across the United States.
If you try to observe, compare local darkness, radiant height, Moon timing and cloud conditions around December 21-23. The Ursids favor northern observers, but this page does not identify a particular site, route or legal access point.
What rate should I expect?
A reference ZHR is not a personal hourly promise
The IMO lists a reference ZHR of 10 and notes that Ursid rates have varied historically, occasionally reaching higher values. That history does not predict an enhanced 2026 return.
The weak modeled 2026 filament is a separate estimate below ZHR 20. Actual visible counts depend on the bright Moon, darkness, clouds, radiant altitude, obstructions and time spent watching. A short session may show few or no Ursids.
Keep the plan modest
The event date does not promise a worthwhile outing
Past Ursid outbursts do not establish an outburst forecast for 2026. The current calendar's weak filament note and bright-Moon warning support cautious expectations, not a storm claim.
Compare the nearby Geminids page for its separate December event facts, but do not assume that a clear Geminid night implies a useful Ursid night. Weather, Moon timing and local conditions change.
What to do next
Use the event date now; recheck local conditions when the forecast is available.
Compare local Moon position, radiant height and cloud forecasts for December 21-23. The bright Moon may make a session unproductive; no exact local go/no-go or observing site is provided here.
Ursids 2026 FAQ
Exact answers for the 2026 activity window
When do the 2026 Ursids peak?
The IMO lists the maximum on December 22, 2026 at 22:00 UTC. Convert that time for your location; it is not a guaranteed local viewing hour.
Are the 2026 Ursids expected to produce a meteor storm?
The IMO calendar describes only a weak modeled filament encounter below ZHR 20 and notes that a 96% Moon makes reliable optical observations unlikely. It does not support a storm promise.
How many Ursids will I see?
No personal count is guaranteed. The IMO reference ZHR and weak modeled filament estimate use idealized/model units; Moonlight, clouds, radiant height, darkness and viewing time can reduce visible counts.
Will the Moon affect the Ursids in 2026?
Yes. The IMO lists a 96% illuminated Moon near the maximum and says chances for reliable optical data are small. Local Moon altitude and timing determine the exact effect.
Where should I watch the Ursids?
The Ursids are a northern-hemisphere shower, but this page does not recommend observing sites or verify access. Use a broad sky view and confirm local conditions and legal access independently.
Sources and limitations
Facts last reviewed 2026-10-14
The 2026 calendar warns that the 96% Moon makes reliable optical observations unlikely. The weak filament is a model, not an observed count; this page does not calculate local visibility, access or an outburst.
- International Meteor Organization 2026 Meteor Shower Calendar - Ursid activity dates, listed maximum, reference ZHR, weak modeled filament, Moon illumination and observing limitations.
- International Meteor Organization 2024 Meteor Shower Calendar - Historical Ursid rate variability and northern-hemisphere radiant visibility; not a 2026 forecast.