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After Total Solar Eclipse, skywatchers will be treated to another celestial event this weekend. It is the Lyrid Meteor Shower. Here is when, where and how to watch this meteor shower in your city.
Lyrid Meteor Shower: Know All The Details Here
Skywatchers over America and several other countries were treated to a mesmerising view and one of the biggest celestial events – the Total Solar Eclipse this month. Now, there is another celestial event which is set to adorn night skies soon. It is the Lyrid Meteor shower. This year, the Lyrids are expected to occur on the night of April 21 to the pre-dawn hours of April 22. While the bright moon may pose some visibility challenges, the concentrated burst of meteors during this short window will surely be an awe-inspiring celestial show.
A meteor shower is when many meteors or “shooting stars” streak across the sky. They happen when Earth passes through debris left by comets or asteroids. These bits burn up in our atmosphere, creating the bright trails we see. Are you wondering how to watch the upcoming meteor shower? Here is everything that you need to know about the Lyrid Meteor Shower.
Lyrid Meteor Shower: When and Where To Watch
As per the EarthSky report, the best time to watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower is the late evening on April 21st until dawn of April 22. However, the peak is expected at 9:23 UTC (2:53 PM IST). “In 2024, the full moon falls at 23:49 UTC on April 23. So meteor watching will be impacted by a bright waxing gibbous moon,” the report added. It rises before midnight, highest in the sky at dawn.
How To Watch
Despite the lunar interference, you can still catch a glimpse of the Lyrids with some strategic planning. Optimal viewing requires escaping light pollution, preferably by venturing about forty miles from urban areas. Although moonlight may dim the spectacle, patient observers may still witness four to eight meteors per hour, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
To maximise your Lyrid experience, heed NASA’s viewing tips. Find a secluded spot away from the urban glare, equipped with blankets or chairs for comfort. Lie flat on your back, facing eastward, and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for optimal visibility. With patience and perseverance, observers may witness as many as 10-20 meteors per hour, with the occasional dazzling fireball illuminating the night sky.
About Lyrid Meteor Shower
Originating from the debris trail of Comet Thatcher, the Lyrid meteor shower has graced the night sky for millennia. Named after the constellation Lyra, these meteors hold a storied history, observed for over 2,700 years since their first recording in 687 BC. Each year, Earth traverses the remnants of Comet Thatcher’s path, igniting a celestial display as meteoroids collide with the atmosphere, creating fiery streaks across the heavens.