The Lyrids Meteor Shower is set to light up the night sky as it reaches its peak on the nights of April 21-22 and 22-23. Originating from the debris of Comet Thatcher, this annual event is known for producing up to 100 meteors per hour in ideal conditions.
Described as a “medium strength shower,” the Lyrids are best observed from the Northern Hemisphere, although some activity can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere as well. The meteors radiate from the direction of Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, and are best viewed away from the radiant point.
However, this year’s visibility may be greatly affected by the brightness of the waxing gibbous Moon. Instead of the usual 100 meteors per hour, observers may only see around 10 to 15 meteors per hour.
The Lyrids hold a special place in history as the oldest recorded meteor shower, with observations dating back to 687 BCE by the Chinese. The parent object of the Lyrids, Comet Thatcher, was discovered in 1861 and takes between 416 and 422 years to complete a single orbit around the Sun.
So, make sure to mark your calendars and set aside some time to witness this breathtaking celestial event. Grab a blanket, head outside, and look up to catch a glimpse of the Lyrids Meteor Shower in all its glory.
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