Wondering when to catch the Lyrid meteor shower tonight? The annual Lyrids are peaking between late evening April 21 and the early hours of April 2, offering skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere a chance to see up to 10–15 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions For the best view, head outside after 10:30 p.m. local time and look up—no telescope required. The show intensifies after midnight as the radiant in the constellation Lyra rises higher, with the highest rates expected just before dawn
This year, a waning crescent moon rises a few hours after midnight, so the brightest meteors should be visible before moonrise. To maximize your chances, find a spot away from city lights, let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes, and scan as much of the sky as possible—not just Lyra, since meteors can appear anywhere
The Lyrids are famous for occasional bright fireballs and persistent glowing trails, making this one of spring’s most anticipated celestial events If clouds or moonlight interfere, don’t worry—the meteor shower continues through April 2, though peak activity is brief
Set your alarm, grab a blanket, and look up tonight—the Lyrids won’t return until next April!