The Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak tonight, offering a spectacular sight for skywatchers willing to stay up late or rise early. The shower, which occurs between April 16-25 every year, is expected to reach its peak on April 22, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.
Known for their fast and bright meteors, the Lyrids can leave glowing trails visible for several seconds due to their interaction with Earth’s upper atmosphere. The average shower produces 15-20 meteors per hour, but this year’s peak is expected to be up to 18 meteors per hour, visible under clear skies when the radiant point is directly overhead.
The Lyrids originate from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, a long-period comet discovered in 1861. Each April, as Earth passes through the comet’s debris trail, tiny particles enter the planet’s atmosphere at about 30 miles per second and burn up, creating bright streaks of light we see as meteors.
This year’s peak will offer excellent viewing opportunities with minimal moonlight interference from a thin crescent moon. The best time to watch is between midnight and dawn, when the radiant is higher in the sky and Earth is rotating into the stream of meteors.
To make the most of the shower, find a spot with an unobstructed view of the night sky and dress warmly. Be patient, as it may take up to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Use a flashlight with a red light to avoid ruining your night vision, and look up at the whole sky rather than focusing on the radiant point.
Remember, this year’s peak could potentially bring an occasional “outburst,” during which up to 100 meteors per hour may be visible. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to witness one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year!
Source: https://www.space.com/stargazing/meteors-showers/dont-miss-the-lyrid-meteor-shower-peak-tonight-heres-what-to-expect