Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as the Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight, April, into the early hours of April. This annual event, one of the oldest known meteor showers, is expected to deliver between and bright meteors per hour under ideal conditions, with some years producing even more dramatic bursts.
The best viewing window stretches from about:3 p.m. local time tonight until dawn on Tuesday, with activity peaking around a.m.8. For optimal results, head to a dark, open area away from city lights, lie back facing east, and allow your eyes at least minutes to adjust to the darkness. Experts recommend keeping your phone tucked away to preserve your night vision.
However, this year’s show comes with a twist: a 40% illuminated crescent moon may slightly diminish visibility, and patchy weather could obscure the view in some regions. Despite these factors, many meteors should still be visible, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, where the shower is most prominent.
The Lyrids originate from debris left by Comet Thatcher and appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, near the bright star Vega. If you miss tonight’s peak, the shower remains active until April, but tonight offers the best chance to catch a shooting star streaking across the spring sky.
