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Lyrid Meteor Shower Reaches Peak Visibility Under Waning Crescent Moon

The annual celestial event, active until April 26, peaks on April 22 with up to 18 meteors per hour in ideal conditions.

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The Lyrid meteor shower is seen over Burg on the Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn off Germany in April 2018. 
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FILE: A meteor shower as seen from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. 

Overview

  • The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, is peaking overnight on April 21–22, with meteors visible until April 26.
  • Under dark skies, up to 18 meteors per hour can be observed, though moonlight and weather may reduce visibility to 5–6 meteors per hour.
  • Best viewing times are between midnight and dawn, with observers advised to find dark locations, avoid light pollution, and allow 30 minutes for eye adjustment.
  • The Lyrids originate from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which orbits the sun approximately every 415 years.
  • Clear skies in regions like the Bay Area and parts of Australia have enhanced viewing conditions, with sightings of bright fireballs reported.