Overview
- The Lyrid meteor shower, caused by debris from Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, is active from April 17 to 26 and will peak between April 21 and 22.
- Observers can expect to see 10-20 meteors per hour during the Lyrids’ peak, with occasional bright fireballs enhancing the display.
- The Eta Aquarids, originating from Halley’s Comet, will peak on May 5, offering stronger activity in the Southern Hemisphere with up to 30 meteors per hour visible.
- Optimal viewing for both showers requires dark skies away from city lights, with pre-dawn hours providing the best visibility.
- The Lyrids, one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, have been observed for over 2,700 years, with historical records dating back to 687 BC in ancient China.