Ursid Meteor Shower & Comet 24P/Schaumasse Dazzle Skywatchers This Week

Stargazers can catch the last major meteor shower of 2026 and a rare comet sighting in the coming days.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract painting in soft, earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise botanical spirals, representing the Ursid meteor shower and Comet 24P/Schaumasse in a visually striking, scientific manner.As the year draws to a close, the cosmos puts on a dazzling display with the Ursid meteor shower and the appearance of Comet 24P/Schaumasse.Atlanta Today

Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat this week as the Ursid meteor shower peaks on the morning of December 21st and Comet 24P/Schaumasse makes a rare appearance in the early morning sky around December 23rd. The Ursids, while not as famous as the Geminids, offer a lovely display of shooting stars, with viewers potentially spotting around 10 meteors per hour. Meanwhile, Comet 24P/Schaumasse will be visible in the southwestern sky, journeying through the star-studded Virgo Cluster.

Why it matters

The Ursid meteor shower and Comet 24P/Schaumasse provide a last chance for stargazers to witness major cosmic events before the end of the year. These natural light shows offer a chance to connect with the wonders of the night sky and appreciate the rhythms of the universe.

The details

The Ursid meteor shower will peak in the early morning hours of December 21st, with the radiant point near the Little Dipper. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere should be able to spot around 10 meteors per hour, provided the skies are clear and moonless. Around December 23rd, Comet 24P/Schaumasse will be visible in the early morning sky, situated in the southwestern region of the Coma Berenices constellation and making its way towards the Virgo Cluster of galaxies.

  • The Ursid meteor shower will peak on the morning of December 21st.
  • Comet 24P/Schaumasse will be visible in the early morning sky around December 23rd.

The players

Ursid Meteor Shower

An annual meteor shower that occurs in mid-to-late December, named after the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Bear) where the radiant point is located.

Comet 24P/Schaumasse

A periodic comet that orbits the Sun and is currently making its way through the Virgo Cluster of galaxies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Ursid meteor shower and Comet 24P/Schaumasse provide a final chance for stargazers to witness awe-inspiring celestial events before the end of the year. These natural light shows offer a unique opportunity to connect with the rhythms of the universe and appreciate the wonders of the night sky.