Get ready to look up at the sky late Sunday night, as the annual Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak on April 21 into April 22, marking a return of meteor showers after a long hiatus.
Weather forecasts predict clear skies and dry conditions, perfect for ideal viewing of the meteor shower. However, the full pink moon in April may hinder visibility for some spectators.
The Lyrid meteor shower is known for producing an outburst of meteors about every 60 years, with the next one expected in 2042. These meteors are actually tiny pieces of space dust from the comet Thatcher, which orbits the sun every 415 years.
For those looking to catch a glimpse of the Lyrids, EarthSky.org suggests finding a moon shadow to stand in to block the moon’s glare. The best time to view the meteor shower is in the pre-dawn hours when the radiant point for the Lyrids is at its highest near the star Vega in the constellation Lyra the Harp.
Upcoming meteor showers to look out for include May’s Eta Aquarids, July’s Southern delta Aquariids, and August’s Perseids.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the beauty of the Lyrid meteor shower and other celestial events in the coming months. Get your binoculars ready and enjoy the show!
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