The Lyrid Meteor Shower is one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with observations dating back over 2,700 years.
They originate from Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which last passed through the inner solar system in 1861. As Earth moves through the dusty debris left by this comet, meteors burn up in the atmosphere. This produces bright streaks of light in the night sky.
The Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks April 21–22
Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as the Lyrid meteor shower reaches its peak between the late hours of April 21 and the early morning of April 22.
This annual event, active from April 16 to April 25, is expected to deliver up to 18 to 20 meteors per hour under optimal conditions, with minimal interference from a waning Moon.
Best Time to Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower
The best viewing window is in the predawn hours around 3 to 4 a.m. local time, when the sky is darkest and the radiant point of the shower—the spot in the sky from which the meteors appear to emerge—rises highest.
