Travel

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Disney100 with Grand Opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, New Nighttime Spectaculars, ‘Magic Happens’ Parade and More

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2023

Daily News Staff

Dazzling celebration honors 100^th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company with décor, food and beverages, merchandise and more
New entertainment and attractions debut Jan. 27: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, ‘World of Color – ONE’ and ‘Wondrous Journeys’ nighttime spectaculars and platinum décor
Coming later in 2023: ‘Magic Happens’ parade returns, reimagined Mickey’s Toontown reopens and new hotel developments debut

ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– The Walt Disney Company marks its 100^th anniversary in 2023, and the Disneyland Resort will celebrate the milestone with new experiences and entertainment, décor, specialty treats and more throughout the year, beginning Jan. 27, 2023. Disney100 celebrates Disney storytellers, creators and fans around the world who, together, spark the magic and wonder of Disney. This celebration will bring new experiences with beloved Disney characters along with heartwarming new stories to delight guests and audiences around the globe.

Disney Characters in Disney100 plantinum — Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and pals debut new platinum looks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., in celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary, a year-long celebration that kicked off Jan. 27, 2023.

Disneyland Runaway Railway — Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and pals debut new platinum looks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., in celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary, a year-long celebration that kicked off Jan. 27, 2023.

While Disney Parks around the world will commemorate the 100^th anniversary, the heart of the celebration is rooted at the Disneyland Resort. The festivities at The Happiest Place on Earth begin on Jan. 27 with the grand opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the debut of all-new nighttime spectaculars by Disney Live Entertainment: “World of Color – ONE” and “Wondrous Journeys.” More magic will arrive throughout 2023, including the return of the “Magic Happens” parade on Feb. 24, reopening of Mickey’s Toontown on March 8 and new developments at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort coming later this year. Disneyland Resort cast members will be among the first to experience select offerings with special #DisneyCastLife opportunities.

“We are excited to bring this milestone celebration to life right here at The Happiest Place on Earth,” said Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock. “For generations of families and fans around the world who have made Disney a part of their lives, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy all-new experiences with beloved Disney characters, our caring cast and our amazing storytelling throughout the year.”

New attractions and entertainment celebrate Disney stories

All-new experiences debuting on Jan. 27 immerse guests in beloved Disney stories and draw inspiration from the history of The Walt Disney Company.

The all-new, family-friendly attraction Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway makes its Disneyland Park debut. Inside the El CapiTOON Theater in Mickey’s Toontown, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway transports guests into the wacky and unpredictable cartoon world of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, where they board a train engineered by Goofy and embark on a zany, out-of-control adventure with surprising twists and turns.

To experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, guests will be required to join the complimentary virtual queue*, which is accessible only via the Disneyland app.** Upon its grand opening, there will not be a standby line for this attraction. The virtual queue enrollment times will be twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. PT. More information on the virtual queue system is available at Disneyland.com. Guests may also get quicker entry to this attraction with the purchase of an individual Lightning Lane arrival window, subject to availability.

“World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago, illustrating how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. Featuring a new original song, “Start a Wave,” this new nighttime spectacular brings some of the most courageous, loving and inspiring characters to life in new ways. This is the first Disneyland Resort nighttime spectacular to feature characters, music and moments from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers and Star Wars in the same production.

Guests will be able to access viewing areas for “World of Color – ONE” through the virtual queue* system available only via the Disneyland app. Distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will begin at noon, daily, subject to availability. More information is available at Disneyland.com. If the virtual queue reaches capacity, guests can check in with a cast member at the Paradise Bay viewing area shortly before “World of Color – ONE” begins for walk-up viewing options. Joining the virtual queue is not required, but it is highly recommended as walk-up viewing options for each performance are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park features nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film over the last century and a new song, “It’s Wondrous.” Filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart, the nighttime spectacular builds upon the park’s state-of-the-art projection effects to turn Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas. On select nights, “Wondrous Journeys” goes even bigger with the addition of sparkling fireworks.

MagicBand+ builds another dimension of storytelling to “World of Color – ONE” and “Wondrous Journeys,” with dancing lights and vibrations synchronized to both spectaculars.

A new exhibit, The Disney Gallery Presents: Disney 100 Years of Wonder, will be on display at Disneyland Park. Inspired by Walt’s vision for Disneyland to be where his films come to life in the real world, the exhibit pays tribute to Disney films that became Disneyland Resort attractions, park experiences that later inspired Disney films and the rich traditions they both share. Guests will see artwork created by original Disney animators for some of Walt’s early films, alongside artwork concepted by original Disney Imagineers to recreate those stories in the park – in addition to an animator’s desk, a model of a multi-plane camera and more.

Disney100 offerings at The Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will be adorned in platinum-infused décor – including platinum statues and medallions scattered across the resort. Later in 2023, MagicBand+ will interact with and add more dazzle to select décor.

Walt Disney’s original Sleeping Beauty Castle will be dressed in elegant platinum banners and bunting, accented by a magnificent cabochon, two majestic water fountains in the surrounding moat and a wishing star shining on the tower above. At Disneyland Park, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will don new, sparkling outfits designed to reflect the optimism and creativity that are at the heart of everything Disney.

Guests can savor a century of magic through more than a dozen specialty food and beverage items, such as the platinum trifle and old-fashioned cream soda, and novelties like the Disney100 Mickey Mouse sipper and platinum Mickey Mouse balloon bucket.

Disney fans can also bring the magic home with commemorative Disney100 merchandise and collectibles released throughout the year, including the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection, special MagicBand+ designs, collectible medallions and pressed pennies.

The Disney100 celebration extends to the Downtown Disney District with platinum décor, fun photo opportunities and special menu items at select dining locations.

More magic to come in 2023

The “Magic Happens” parade makes its highly anticipated return to Disneyland Park on Feb. 24. Led by Mickey Mouse and his pals, the daytime spectacular celebrates moments of magic from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films as they are brought to life with grand-scale floats, artistic costumes and an energetic musical score.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be joined by additional new experiences and returning favorites when the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown reopens on March 8, 2023. The beloved land will feature more play activities and attractions than ever before, in addition to grassy play spaces for guests of all ages to unwind. Interactive play areas such as CenTOONial Park, Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard and Donald’s Duck Pond create more opportunities for families and young children to play together inside Disneyland Park, and guests will be able to enjoy classics like Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin once again.

In the spring, guests are invited to experience seasonal offerings and returning fan-favorite events at the Disneyland Resort. Disney California Adventure Park is ringing in the Year of the Rabbit with the Lunar New Year celebration through Feb. 15, and the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 3 through April 25.

Alongside the Disney100 anniversary celebration, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will debut new developments later this year. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will become Pixar Place Hotel, which weaves the artistry of Pixar into a comfortable, contemporary setting. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel – a new, 344-room tower – will immerse guests in decades of animated classics through a blend of contemporary designs and timeless artworks inspired by Disney Legends.

SOURCE Disneyland

Splash Mountain at Disneyland is Closing… What’s next?

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Daily News/Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

and let your entertainment journey begin!

Author

Daily News Staff

View all posts

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

astronomy

A Celestial Spectacle: Witness the Rare Planetary Parade on February 28

On February 28, 2025, a rare planetary parade will showcase all seven planets aligning in the night sky. This remarkable event won’t occur again until 2040, making it unmissable.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 21, 2025

Rod Washington

sun and planets in a plantary parade. — Photo by Zelch Csaba on Pexels.com

Planetary Parade

Astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike have something extraordinary to look forward to at the end of February. For one brief moment, on the evening of February 28, 2025, all seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn—will align in the night sky, creating a captivating planetary parade. This remarkable event marks the last time such an alignment will be visible until 2040, making it an occasion not to be missed.

What to Expect

The planetary parade will unfold shortly after sunset, with each planet showcasing its brilliance against the backdrop of the evening sky. While most of these celestial bodies will shine brighter than even the brightest stars, Uranus and Neptune will likely require binoculars or a telescope for a better view.

Currently, six of the planets are already aligned, but stargazers will have to wait until February 28 for Mercury to make its debut just above the horizon. Dr. Christopher Barnes, a senior lecturer at the University of Derby, explains the visibility details: “Mars will appear in the east, Jupiter and Uranus in the southeast, and Venus, Neptune, and Saturn in the west.”

Viewing Tips

For those wishing to experience this cosmic event, the best time to observe will be just after sunset when the stars begin to appear. Dr. Barnes suggests that even people in urban areas, where light pollution is often an issue, will be able to see most of the planets. However, seeking a location away from city lights will enhance the viewing experience.

The Benefits of Stargazing

Beyond the thrilling visual spectacle, taking time to gaze upon the stars and planets offers numerous benefits for one’s mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Barnes points out that stargazing encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to detach from the stresses of daily life. “Engaging with the night sky fosters a sense of peace, restoration, and perspective,” he says.

Future Events

After February 28, the next opportunity to see a planetary alignment of five or more planets will occur in late October 2028 and again in February 2034. However, another seven-planet alignment will not be witnessed for another 15 years, making this February a particularly special occasion.

To cater to those unable to view the parade due to unfavorable weather or light pollution, several observatories will provide live streams of the event. This means everyone can partake in this astral celebration from the comfort of their homes.

As we approach February 28, it’s time to mark your calendars for this rare planetary parade. Whether you grab your telescope, plan a trip to a dark-sky location, or tune in to a live stream, don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary alignment of the planets, a spectacle that will be remembered long after it fades from view. Prepare to look up and enjoy the wonders of our solar system!

Resources:

Who doesn’t love a parade, especially a planet parade? How and when to see up to 7 planets

Planetary Parade will soon be visible in the evening sky

Visible planets and night sky guide for February

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Lifestyle

Tripadvisor Reveals 2025’s Must-Visit Destinations: Top Picks From Travelers Around the World

Published

2 months ago

January 14, 2025

Daily News Staff

London Takes The Top Spot – Plus, U.S. Favorite Places for Food, Culture, Solo Travel and More

NEEDHAM, Mass. /PRNewswire/ — Tripadvisor^®, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, today announced its first Travelers’ Choice^® Awards category for 2025: Best of the Best Destinations.

Tripadvisor London United Kingdom — London, UK

Each year, Tripadvisor pores over millions of reviews shared by a global community of travelers to uncover the most trusted recommendations, helping future explorers create unforgettable memories on their next adventure. Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations span seven categories; Top Destinations, Trending Destinations, Culture Destinations, Food Destinations, Honeymoon Destinations. This year Tripadvisor introduces two new subcategories; Solo Travel Destinations and a special sub-category in celebration of Tripadvisor’s 25th anniversary honoring the Top Destinations of the Last 25 Years based on all time reviews.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards celebrate destinations with the highest ratings and reviews from global travelers over the past year. The rankings shine a light on the places that have captured the hearts of real travelers who’ve experienced them firsthand.

“Over the last 25 years Tripadvisor has grown to become the world’s leading travel guidance platform, drawing on insights from real travelers all around the world,” commented Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “Based on the more than 1 billion reviews and opinions on our site today, Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards reflect the global travel community’s favorites – from destinations themselves, to everything that makes them special including restaurants, hotels and experiences.”

London Takes the Crown Globally, While NYC Rules the U.S.

This year London climbed two places to be named No. 1 Top Destination in the World, taking the title from Dubai, which had proudly held onto first place since 2022. The UK capital is also recognized for its culinary scene as well as rich arts and heritage offering, coming second in the world in the best Food Destinations and third in Culture Destinations. The city was also named No. 1 in Tripadvisor’s special 25th anniversary list, with London recognized as the top destination from the last 25 years of reviews on the site.

Here in the U.S., New York City tops this list, and is also featured in the states’ top Food Destinations. Other fan favorite destinations include warm weather hotspots like O’ahu and the Florida Keys, hustling cities like Chicago and Las Vegas, and culturally rich locations like New Orleans and Washington D.C.

Top Destinations – World	Top Destinations – U.S.
1. London, U.K.	1. New York City, NY
2. Bali, Indonesia	2. O’ahu, HI
3. Dubai, U.A.E.	3. Las Vegas, NV
4. Sicily, Italy	4. Florida Keys, FL
5. Paris, France	5. New Orleans, LA
6. Rome, Italy	6. Nashville, TN
7. Hanoi, Vietnam	7. San Francisco, CA
8. Marrakech, Morocco	8. Chicago, IL
9. Crete, Greece	9. Charleston, SC
10. Bangkok, Thailand	10. Washington, D.C.

Trending for 2025

Osaka, Japan, is named No. 1 Trending Destination in the World for 2025, based on year-on-year growth of reviews. Known as ‘the nation’s kitchen’, Osaka has a thriving food scene, as well as great shopping and nightlife. It is also the perfect base for exploring the Kansai region, which is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia comes in at No. 2, followed by Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires at No. 3.

The Trending Destinations in the U.S. included a mix of sun and snow, from coastal getaways like West Palm Beach and Santa Barbara, to the mountain views of Denver and Park City. The Midwest is having a moment, with Cleveland and Kansas City nearing the top of the list, while destinations adjacent to big cities, like Memphis and Brooklyn, are also rising the ranks.

Trending Destinations – World	Trending Destinations – U.S.
1. Osaka, Japan	1. West Palm Beach, FL
2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	2. Santa Barbara, CA
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina	3. Cleveland, OH
4. Manama, Bahrain	4. Kansas City, MO
5. Lima, Peru	5. Memphis, TN
6. Medellin, Colombia	6. Park City, UT
7. Auckland, New Zealand	7. Juneau, AK
8. Kyoto, Japan	8. Denver, CO
9. Seoul, South Korea	9. Brooklyn, NY
10. Casablanca, Morocco	10. Hilton Head, SC

New for 2025

As Tripadvisor celebrates a quarter of a century this year, the 25th Anniversary Destinations list pays homage to reviewers’ favorite destinations since the launch of the site. London also tops this category, followed by New York at No. 2 and Rome at No. 3.

25^th Anniversary Destinations

1. London, U.K.

2. New York City, U.S.

3. Rome, Italy

4. Paris, France

5. Bali, Indonesia

6. Barcelona, Spain

7. Dubai , U.A.E.

8. Crete, Greece

9. Lisbon, Portugal

10. Bangkok, Thailand

This year also sees the launch of another new category, Solo Travel Destinations. This list features many major global cities, with South Korean capital, Seoul taking the top spot. These destinations are loved by solo travelers and perfect for anyone heading out on an adventure alone.

Solo Travel Destinations – World

1. Seoul, South Korea

2. Kathmandu, Nepal

3. Cusco, Peru

4. Bangkok, Thailand

5. Osaka, Japan

6. Dubai, U.A.E.

7. Kyoto, Japan

8. Chiang Mai, Thailand

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

10. Melbourne, Australia

Best of the Rest

With travelers across the world most excited about food on their upcoming trips, according to Tripadvisor’s latest Seasonal Travel Index, best Food Destinations is the ultimate guide to where to find the best culinary experiences.

Food Destinations – World	Food Destinations – U.S.
1. Rome, Italy	1. New Orleans, LA
2. London, U.K.	2. Charleston, SC
3. Marrakech, Morocco	3. New York City, NY
4. Paris, France	4. Savannah, GA
5. Naples, Italy	5. Asheville, NC
6. Barcelona, Spain	6. Boston, MA
7. Lima, Peru	7. Nashville, TN
8. New Orleans, U.S.	8. Portland, ME
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina	9. San Diego, CA
10. Athens, Greece	10. San Francisco, CA

The best Culture Destinations celebrate the destinations bursting with vibrant arts scenes and rich in heritage that are inspiring travelers across the world. Rich in culture and traditions, Bali takes the No. 1 spot, followed by Hanoi, Vietnam at No. 2 and London at No. 3.

Culture Destinations – World

1. Bali, Indonesia

2. Hanoi, Vietnam

3. London, U.K.

4. Marrakech, Morocco

5. Rome, Italy

6. Cusco, Peru

7. Kathmandu, Nepal

8. New Delhi, India

9. Crete, Greece

10. Siem Reap, Cambodia

For couples looking to celebrate one of their most special trips, best Honeymoon Destinations showcases the most romantic places on earth, from private beaches to intimate dinners, these are travelers’ favorites to set the mood for two.

Honeymoon Destinations – World

1. Mauritius

2. Bali, Indonesia

3. Maldives

4. Hoi An, Vietnam

5. Phuket, Thailand

6. Santorini, Greece

7. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

8. Florence, Italy

9. La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

10. St. Lucia

Methodologies

Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations
The 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory, for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations from travelers globally on Tripadvisor between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

Tripadvisor Seasonal Travel Index
The data cited in this release was gathered and analyzed from two key sources:

A Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of over 4,850 consumers, in partnership with Qualtrics, conducted between September 6 – October 3, 2024 across six countries, including Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, U.K. & U.S.
Site behavioral data sourced from first party traffic data on the Tripadvisor platform for searches made by travelers in the U.S., U.K. and Japan between August 1 – October 20, 2024 for travel between November 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025.

About Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use Tripadvisor’s website and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than a billion reviews and contributions, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.

Tripadvisor LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP). The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps.

* Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, Jan 2025
** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files

SOURCE Tripadvisor

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

https://stmdailynews.com/

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

astronomy for hobbyist

Stargazing Delight: Catch the Ursid Meteor Shower This Sunday Morning!

Published

3 months ago

December 22, 2024

Lynette Young

As we cozy up to the end of another year, a delightful celestial event is gearing up to grace our skies: the Ursid meteor shower! Set to peak in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 22, this final meteor shower of the year offers a charming opportunity for some stargazing, even amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

A Little Background on the Ursids

Often overshadowed by the more prolific Geminid meteor shower that dazzles us just a week earlier, the Ursids tend to be a quieter affair. This year, their peak aligns perfectly with the winter solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year. With the celestial display taking place during this time, there’s a unique chance to soak in some twinkling “shooting stars” above a snowy landscape.

@stmblog
🌌 Don’t miss the Ursid meteor shower this winter solstice! ✨ Bundle up, head outside, and enjoy the shooting stars! #Stargazing #Ursids ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

Why Aren’t More People Watching?

Despite their charm, the Ursids are the least observed meteor shower, largely because of the busy holiday season and often unfavorable weather in the Northern Hemisphere—think cold nights filled with clouds. But if you missed the Geminids, fear not! The Ursids provide a wonderful pre-Christmas stargazing treat that is worth a look.

What to Expect from the Ursids

While the Ursids are not renowned for their activity—often delivering a mere 5 to 10 meteors per hour on a good night—there’s still magic in the unpredictability of astronomy. In years past, this meteor shower has surprised us with spectacular displays. Back in 1945 and 1968, observers saw around 100 meteors per hour, while the 1973 shower brought forth about 30 meteors! You never know when the Ursids may decide to put on a show, so keeping your eyes trained on the heavens could lead to some delightful surprises.

Understanding the Ursid Origin

The Ursids get their name from their radiant point in the sky, located in the constellation Ursa Minor, affectionately known as the Little Dipper. What we see as shooting stars are actually small fragments from the comet 8P/Tuttle, which Earth passes through each year. As the debris from the comet enters our atmosphere, it burns up and creates stunning streaks of light against the nighttime backdrop.

Tips for Optimal Viewing

So, how can you maximize your chances of catching the Ursid meteor shower this Sunday?

When to Watch: The Ursids run from December 17 to December 26, with the best viewing time occurring in the predawn hours of December 22. This is when the radiant is highest in the sky, offering the best chance to see those elusive meteors.
Find a Dark Spot: Get as far away from city lights as possible. A clear, dark sky will make it much easier to see the meteors.
Be Patient: Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness—about 20 minutes is ideal. Bring a comfortable blanket or chair to sit back and enjoy the show.
Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential! Keep an eye on your local weather conditions to ensure a pleasant viewing experience.
Bring a Friend: Stargazing is always more fun when shared! Grab a friend or family member to join you, bringing some hot cocoa for added warmth and comfort.

As you bundle up and head outside this Sunday morning, remember to take a moment to appreciate the vastness of the universe above us. The Ursids may be a modest display compared to their more boisterous meteor shower counterparts, but each little shooting star tells a story of cosmic wonder and beauty. Happy stargazing, and may your sky be filled with twinkling lights! ✨