We saw some spectacular and memorable sky shows last year, but it’s been relatively quiet so far this year. However, the meteor shower drought, a drought that occurs annually from January to April, is finally and blessedly ending and the beautiful Lyrids show is just around the corner! Here’s what you need to know.
What are the Lyrids?
Each year, the Lyrid Meteor Shower circles around in mid-to-late April when “the Earth crosses the orbital path of Comet Thatcher,” EarthSky.org explains. The Lyrids marks the end of a drought for sky shows, which typically happens between January and the middle of April.
The Lyrid shows are the oldest known meteor showers, according to EarthSky, which happen when the Earth runs into the stream of debris from the Comet Thatcher. This particular shower, which happens each year, dates back to at least 2,700 years. “The ancient Chinese seem to have observed the Lyrid meteors falling like rain in the year 687 BCE,” EarthSky shares.
This meteor shower is a show of 10 to 15 meteors per hour at its peak when the sky is dark and the moonlight is low.
When is it happening?
Every year, the Lyrids meteor shower happens in mid-to-late April, with this year’s show running from April 15 to April 29.
The best time to watch the Lyrids this year is between midnight and dawn on April 22. However, they may still be visible on April 21 or 23.
How can I see the Lyrids?
Visiting the Moonrise and Moonset Calculator can help you calculate the best date and time is to see the meteors based on where you live and what the moon’s predicted to do that evening.
Time to mark the calendars and get out your telescope. These showers are usually fun to watch with the kids.
