The Lyrid meteor shower peaks next week: When and how to best view the shooting stars
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest known meteor showers observed for 2,700 years, will be active from April 14 to 30, 2026, as Earth passes through debris from Comet Thatcher.
- The shower typically produces 10 to 15 meteors per hour and may occasionally feature bright fireballs, though it is less intense than the Perseids meteor shower.
- The peak viewing time is from late evening on April 21 through dawn on April 22, with the best visibility in the Northern Hemisphere near the constellation Lyra.
- No special equipment is needed to observe the Lyrids, and a waxing crescent moon will not interfere with visibility during the peak; viewers should find a dark, clear sky and allow 15 to 20 minutes for their eyes to adjust.
- Following the Lyrids, the next major meteor shower will be the Eta Aquariids in May, known for faster, more energetic meteors.
