How to Experience Two Meteor Showers at Once This April

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While April is commonly associated with showers, this month also brings a dazzling spectacle in the night sky: meteor showers!

Stargazers are in for an exciting experience as the skies clear up for optimal viewing. This month is set to offer an array of meteor showers and stellar occurrences, making it a highlight for astronomy enthusiasts in the northern hemisphere.

Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through a stream of meteoroids, which are tiny celestial objects entering our atmosphere. When these meteoroids ignite due to friction with air, they create the beautiful phenomenon known as “shooting stars.” According to NASA, this light display is caused by the heat generated from this rapid movement through the atmosphere.

This month, the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids meteor showers are anticipated to create a stunning visual extravaganza.

The Lyrids meteor shower, originating from Comet Thatcher, is expected to produce approximately 18 meteors per hour. In contrast, the Eta Aquarids, which come from Comet Halley, could peak at around 50 meteors per hour during their height.

In addition to these meteor showers, other astronomical events such as the alignment of the Pleiades star cluster with the moon and visibility of Jupiter, as highlighted by EarthSky, contribute to the beauty of the April night sky.

For those eager to delve deeper into the wonders above, April presents an excellent opportunity to participate in the “Messier Marathon,” a challenge that encourages observers to locate as many as 110 celestial objects including nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies.

Furthermore, the sun’s current phase of solar maximum is likely to enhance the visibility of the northern lights, with increased activity expected until March 2026, creating a captivating combination of sights that can be enjoyed through both telescopes and the naked eye, according to experts.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of April’s meteor showers and tips for observing them.

When is the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower in April 2025?

The peak visibility of the Lyrids meteor shower is expected to occur from mid-April, specifically between the 17th and the 26th, with the highest activity on the nights of April 21 and 22, as reported by NASA. The Lyrids are characterized by their bright and swift meteors, typically showing about 5 to 6 meteors per hour, which can increase to 10 to 20 at peak times.

How can you view the Lyrid meteor shower in April 2025?

In the northern hemisphere, the optimal time to observe the Lyrids is after dark and well into the pre-dawn hours. To maximize your experience, seek out a location far removed from city lights. After around 30 minutes of allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness, you’ll start to see the meteors more clearly.

The phenomenal display continues until dawn, providing ample opportunity to take in the meteor show!

When does the Eta Aquarids meteor shower peak in April 2025?

Known for their remarkable speed, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks annually in the month of May. This year, the best visibility is set to occur from April 20 through May 21, peaking on May 3 and 4, with potential sightings of over 50 meteors per hour according to NASA.

Traveling at speeds around 40 miles per second, these meteors leave behind glowing trails that can be visible for several seconds and may linger for longer.

How can you view the Eta Aquarids meteor shower in April 2025?

The Eta Aquarids can be viewed in both the northern and southern hemispheres; however, viewing conditions are generally more favorable in the southern hemisphere as the meteors will be higher in the sky. In the northern hemisphere, observers may still catch around 10 meteors per hour, often termed “Earthgrazers” due to their low trajectory across the atmosphere.

As is often the case with meteor observations, a measure of patience is essential. Finding a dark environment away from artificial lights will enhance your experience, allowing your eyes to acclimate over about 30 minutes. The spectacle will continue into the early morning hours.

Source
people.com