The Lyrid meteor shower has been active every year from Apr. 16 to Apr. 25 for the past 2,700 years. It is predicted to put on a dazzling show this week. According to Earth Sky’s Meteor Showers Guide, the Lyrids will begin late Sun., Apr.19, probably peaking in the predawn hours on Wed., Apr. 22.
If you trace the paths of all the Lyrid meteors backward, they originate at the constellation Lyra the Harp, near the brilliant star Vega which rises in the northeast around 10 p.m. on evenings in April. If you look east in a dark clear sky you should be able to easily spot the shooting stars.
Shooting stars are actually tiny dust particles that glow when they enter Earth’s atmosphere. The Lyrid meteor shower is caused by debris from Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. While the comet orbits the sun once every 415 years, its long trail of debris is responsible for causing the Lyrid meteor shower to light up the sky every April for the last two thousand years. This comet isn’t expected to return until the year 2276.
You won’t need any special equipment to see the meteor show. Find an area of the sky that is dark and away from artificial light. Set up a chair or blanket and enjoy the show.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Neale LaSalle from Pexels
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