Lyrid meteor shower 2026: When, where to see meteors light up the sky
USA Today • • science
Key Points:
- The Lyrid meteor shower will peak on the night of April 21-22, offering sky watchers a chance to see 10-15 meteors per hour under ideal dark sky conditions.
- The Lyrids originate from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher and have been observed since 687 B.C.E., making them one of the oldest recorded meteor showers.
- The best viewing time is after 9 or 10 p.m. local time when the radiant near the bright star Vega in the constellation Lyra rises, with optimal viewing occurring just before dawn.
- To maximize visibility, observers should find a dark location away from city lights, allow their eyes to adjust to darkness, face east, and be patient as meteor watching can take time.
- The moon will be a 27% waxing crescent and will set early, providing a dark sky ideal for meteor viewing during the predawn hours.
