How to Experience the Lyrid Meteor Shower at Its Stunning Peak

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The annual spectacle, which is happening now, will last until around April 25—but the best viewing will fall between the 21 and 22

Sara Hashemi – Daily Correspondent

April 18, 2025 3:25 p.m.

The captivating Lyrid meteor shower is currently underway, set to illuminate the night sky with its stunning displays of meteors.

Having commenced earlier this week, the Lyrid meteor shower will persist until approximately April 25. However, the prime viewing window is expected to occur during the night of April 21 into the early morning hours of April 22. During this peak, observers can anticipate seeing between 10 to 20 meteors every hour. Historical accounts indicate that in exceptional years, the rates can soar to an impressive 100 meteors per hour, as noted by NASA.

Here’s what you need to know to maximize your viewing experience this year.

What causes the Lyrid meteor shower?

This annual astronomical event typically occurs from mid to late April. It holds the distinction of being one of the earliest documented meteor showers, with records indicating that Chinese astronomers identified the Lyrids as far back as 687 B.C.E.

The phenomenon arises when Earth navigates through the remnant debris left by a comet or asteroid as it orbits the sun. The specific debris responsible for the Lyrid shower comes from the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which takes about 415.5 years to make a complete orbit.

As these remnants of dust and rock enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high velocities, they combust, producing spectacular streaks of light. Bill Cooke, the head of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, elaborated on this process in a discussion with Alana Wise at NPR.

Tips for watching the Lyrid meteors

Experts recommend heading outdoors during the prime viewing time from 10:30 p.m. local time on April 21 until dawn, with the optimal experience likely peaking around 5 a.m.

No specialized equipment is necessary to enjoy this celestial event. Simply bring a blanket or a comfortable chair, find a suitable spot, and gaze skyward. For a better experience, seek locations away from bright city lights.

Unlike last year’s nearly full moon, which obscured visibility, this year’s viewing conditions should significantly improve. “The light from the crescent moon will have minimal interference,” Cooke noted in a statement. It is advisable to position the moon behind you while observing.

Instead of focusing solely on the radiant point of the shower, which is located within the Lyra constellation marked by its brightest star, Vega, aim your gaze broadly across the night sky. This broader focus enhances the visual length and beauty of the meteors, as NASA explains. Observing directly at the radiant can result in shorter meteor sightings.

Moreover, allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark, and try to keep your phone screen to a minimum to maximize your night vision.

The meteors tend to appear in sporadic bursts, as noted by Ed Bloomer, an astronomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, in an interview with Nicola Davis from the Guardian. “Be prepared to experience a personal moment, as the bursts can be fleeting,” Bloomer reflected, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and patient observation.

If you happen to miss the Lyrid meteor shower, there is no need for disappointment. This event is merely the first in a lineup of upcoming meteor showers set to grace the skies in the months ahead. The next in line, the Eta Aquarids, will reach its peak in early May, providing yet another opportunity for stargazers to witness a breathtaking cosmic display. And rest assured, the Lyrids will return next year as well.

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www.smithsonianmag.com