The Lyrid meteor shower, the first major meteor shower of the year, is set to peak on Monday night, April 22-23, 2024. However, this year’s viewing conditions will be challenging due to a nearly-full Moon illuminating the sky.
Chinese astronomers first reported the Lyrids around 2,700 years ago, with systematic studies of the meteor shower beginning in the 19th century. The radiant for the Lyrids is in the constellation Lyra the Lyre, rising higher as the night progresses during the peak.
Despite the bright Moon at 99 percent illumination, astrophysicists expect that only the brightest meteors will be visible, with an anticipated rate of 3-4 meteors per hour. The Lyrids are caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, resulting in bright, fast-moving meteors.
Dr Darren Baskill, an astrophysicist at the University of Sussex, offers advice on viewing the Lyrid meteor shower. Tips include minimizing light pollution, allowing night vision to develop, looking away from the Moon, and using a red-light filter to enhance the experience.
For the best viewing experience, experts recommend heading outside in the hours before dawn on the peak night of the Lyrid meteor shower. So mark your calendars and prepare to witness this awe-inspiring celestial spectacle in the night sky.
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