The Lyrid meteor shower, an annual celestial event, is currently underway and is set to peak Sunday into Monday, according to astronomers. This meteor shower, known for its fast and bright meteors, usually occurs in mid-to-late April and is expected to produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour this year.
To catch a glimpse of the Lyrids, stargazers are advised to look to the northeast and focus on the same spot in the sky. However, with the moon nearly at full capacity, visibility may be a bit challenging. The Lyrid meteor shower, like all meteor showers, is caused by debris from a comet – in this case, Comet Thatcher. When the rocky remnants enter Earth’s atmosphere, they create the glowing streaks commonly referred to as shooting stars.
For the best viewing experience, experts recommend heading out between midnight and the predawn hours to catch a glimpse of the spectacle in dark, cloudless skies. Fortunately for those in the Southern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower is right around the corner, peaking in early May. This shower, caused by debris from Halley’s comet, is known for producing long trails and is best viewed from locations south of the equator.
So, grab a blanket, head outside, and enjoy the natural light show courtesy of the Lyrid meteor shower while you can – and mark your calendars for the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower next month!
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