How to Get the Best View of the Lyrid Meteor Shower

(SeaPRwire) –   One of the most ancient meteor showers known to humanity is underway this week—but there’s no need for concern, as ample opportunity remains to view it.

According to the American Meteor Society, the Lyrid meteor shower commenced on Tuesday and will persist through the month’s end. The optimal chance to witness the greatest number of meteors will arrive next week.

Here is a complete guide to the Lyrid meteor shower and the best methods for viewing it.

What is the Lyrid meteor shower?

Meteors, often called “shooting stars” or “falling stars,” are created when small fragments of space debris incinerate upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, painting luminous trails across the heavens. On a typical night, you might spot a few per hour. A meteor shower, however, significantly increases that rate; at the Lyrid’s peak, for example, observers could see between 10 and 20 meteors hourly.

This annual April shower is generated by dust and debris from Comet Thatcher colliding with our atmosphere.

NASA notes that the Lyrids have been documented for over two millennia. Although not as rich as the August Perseid meteor shower, the Lyrids are renowned for their “fast and bright meteors,” the agency states.

“Lyrids typically do not leave persistent, glowing trails in their wake, but they can occasionally generate a brilliant burst of light known as a fireball,” NASA said.

When can you see it?

The American Meteor Society reports the Lyrids began on Tuesday and will be active until April 30. NASA indicates the peak viewing period—when meteor rates are highest—will start around 10 p.m. on April 21 and extend into the following day, April 22.

How can you watch it?

Viewing a meteor shower requires no special equipment like telescopes or binoculars—just your own eyes. Similar to other astronomical events, the ideal conditions involve a dark, unpolluted night sky, so seek out a location distant from city lights.

Allow your eyes approximately 30 minutes to adjust fully to the low light, as NASA advises. For comfort, consider bringing a sleeping bag, blanket, or reclining lawn chair.

“Exercise patience—the display will continue until sunrise, providing plenty of time to spot one,” NASA said.