In Arizona, the Ursids are best around 5:50 AM on the night of the peak (December 22, 2026), when the radiant stands about 43° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 7 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:50 PM to 5:59 AM, and the moon will be 97% lit and above the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:50 AM
local time
Est. rate
7/h
dark sky
Radiant
43° high
toward NNE
Moon
97%
up
Dark places to watch the Ursids in Arizona
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon National Park | Dark Sky Place | 1 |
| Petrified Forest National Park | Dark Sky Place | 1 |
| Chiricahua National Monument | Dark Sky Place | 1 |
| Pipe Spring National Monument | Dark Sky Place | 2 |
| Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians | Dark Sky Place | 2 |
| Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument | Dark Sky Place | 2 |
| Flagstaff Area National Monuments | Dark Sky Place | 2 |
| Kartchner Caverns State Park | Dark Sky Place | 3 |
| Tumacácori National Historical Park | Dark Sky Place | 3 |
| Tonto National Monument | Dark Sky Place | 3 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Ursids in Arizona?
Around 5:50 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.
Where can I see the Ursids in Arizona?
Dark, open places such as Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Chiricahua National Monument.