Lyrid Meteor Shower: How to Catch the Peak Next Week

Fast Summary:

• The Lyrid meteor shower will peak overnight on April 21-22, offering a virtually moonless sky for viewing.
• Approximately 18 meteors per hour coudl be visible during the peak of the shower.
• The best viewing time is immediately after nightfall, as the radiant point lies in the constellation Lyra, which rises in the east after dark.
• The Lyrids occur annually due to debris left by Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1), discovered during its last close approach in 1861. It orbits the sun every 422 years and will return next in 2283.
• Radiant shooting stars known as fireballs are often visible during this event, making it ideal for photography. Suggestions include using long exposure settings and a tripod for capturing images of meteors burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
• Another meteor shower-Eta Aquarid-is expected to follow from April 19-May 28 with its peak on may 4-5.

!Meteor Shower
Image credit: Alan Dyer/Stocktrek Images via Getty Images

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Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Lyrid meteor shower presents an opportunity for Indian stargazers to engage with astronomy under favorable conditions.With reduced light pollution in various parts of India compared to urban areas globally, amateur astronomers and enthusiasts can experience this celestial phenomenon without advanced equipment.

Educational institutions might consider promoting awareness about events like this to cultivate interest among students and inspire future scientific pursuits. Astronomy-related activities around such natural occurrences could lead to a greater emphasis on space sciences within India’s expanding STEM ecosystem.

Additionally, with wider ease of access to professional-grade cameras or smartphones capable of advanced photography settings, witnessing or documenting events such as these provides unique opportunities for both citizens and creators alike.