Spectacular photos of the 2026 Lyrid meteor shower captured from Earth and space

Key Points:

• The 2026 Lyrid meteor shower peaked in the early hours of April 22 as Earth passed through debris from comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), producing bright shooting stars radiating from the constellation Lyra near the star Vega.
• The Lyrids, one of the oldest recorded meteor showers with a 2,700-year history, occur annually when fragments from comet Thatcher burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating fiery streaks visible from the ground.
• Stunning images captured by astrophotographers and astronauts showcased the meteor shower alongside phenomena such as the northern lights and Earth's atmospheric airglow, highlighting the event's visual spectacle from both Earth and space.
• The meteor shower remains active until April 25, though meteor rates decline after the peak, offering viewers several more nights to observe the fast-moving meteors before they disappear for the year.
• Following the Lyrids, the next significant meteor shower will be the eta Aquariids, expected to peak on May 5-6 with up to 50 meteors per hour visible under optimal conditions.