The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest known meteor showers, is set to peak in 2024 starting late Sunday night on April 21 and lasting through dawn on Monday April 22. This annual event is a spectacular display of meteors that can be seen by people across the world.
Dating back to 687 BC, the Lyrids were first recorded by Chinese astronomers, making it a long-standing astronomical event. Meteoroids, small rocks in space, create meteors when they enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up. If a meteoroid survives the trip and hits the Earth’s ground, it is called a meteorite.
Known for their fast meteors and occasional bright flashes known as fireballs, the Lyrids are a favorite among meteor enthusiasts. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best chance of seeing the meteor shower after moonset and before dawn, away from city and street lights.
NASA recommends lying flat on your back with your feet facing east for optimal viewing, and advises patience as it may take about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness. Viewers can expect to see 10 to 15 Lyrid meteors per hour at peak times.
The Lyrid meteor shower offers a unique opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon that has been observed for centuries. So mark your calendars for April 21-22, find a dark spot away from city lights, and enjoy the show in the night sky.
