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Lyrids Meteor Shower Begins as Stargazers Prepare for Peak Viewing

The annual Lyrids meteor shower, active from April 17–26, will peak on the night of April 21–22, offering up to 20 meteors per hour in dark-sky conditions.

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The Lyrids meteor shower streaks across the sky over Austria on April 21, 2020 in Niederhollabrunn. The annual display us caused by the Earth passing through a cloud of debris from a comet called C/186 Thatcher.
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Overview

  • The Lyrids, one of the oldest known meteor showers, are active from April 17 to April 26, with peak visibility expected just before dawn on April 22.
  • The meteors originate from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, with bright fireballs occasionally visible during the display.
  • Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best viewing opportunities, with rates of 10–20 meteors per hour during the peak.
  • Optimal viewing conditions include dark, open areas away from city lights, with at least 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the darkness.
  • Following the Lyrids, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will begin on April 20, peaking on May 5, and is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere.