Witness Earth’s Spectacular Meteor Shower Events in April and May

Get ready for a celestial treat as two breathtaking meteor shower events light up the skies in April and May. The Lyrids, peaking on April 21-22, will be visible from the northern hemisphere, while the Eta Aquariids, starting on April 20 and finishing on May 21, will shine bright in the southern tropics.

No special equipment is needed to witness these spectacular displays – just a clear view of the sky, some comfy seating, and your own two eyes. Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by asteroids or comets, resulting in glowing trails that can be seen with the naked eye.

The Lyrids are caused by a comet called C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which has a 422-year orbit around the Sun. This year’s peak coincides with a waning Moon, affecting visibility. The best time to observe the Lyrids is on April 21 evening before moonrise, when up to 10-15 meteors per hour can be seen in a Moon-less sky.

In contrast, the Eta Aquariids will present a strong showing for the southern hemisphere, with up to 50-60 meteors per hour. The northern hemisphere will see fewer meteors, but still up to 20 per hour.

To maximize your viewing experience, check the conditions for your location using Time and Date or the International Meteor Organization’s 2025 meteor shower calendar. Happy meteor-watching!

Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/look-up-two-stunning-meteor-showers-are-about-to-light-up-the-sky