April (Meteor) Showers: The Lyrids

As Earth moves through this stream of dust and rocky fragments, those particles are pulled into our atmosphere at high speeds, burning up and creating the streaks of light we call meteors, or “shooting stars.” Though these particles travel along nearly parallel paths through space, perspective makes them appear to radiate from a single point in the sky. For the Lyrids, this radiant lies in the constellation Lyra, near the bright star Vega, which rises in the northeastern sky late in the evening and climbs higher as the night progresses. 

The Lyrids will remain active from April 14 through April 30 this year, but their peak will fall within a relatively narrow window. Astronomers expect to see maximum activity on the afternoon of April 22 for North America, making the early morning hours of April 22 and 23 the best time to observe. Meteor rates tend to increase in the hours before dawn, when your location on Earth is turned more directly into the incoming stream of debris.

This year’s viewing conditions are particularly favorable. The moon will be near its First Quarter phase on April 23, but it sets around 1 a.m. local time on April 22 and about an hour later the following morning, leaving darker skies during prime observing hours. Under ideal viewing conditions (far from city lights and with the radiant high overhead), the Lyrids can produce up to 20 meteors per hour. Realistically, observers can expect to see closer to 10 per hour, with the added possibility of bright fireballs and brief, unpredictable surges in activity.

To make the most of the experience, choose a viewing location away from artificial light with a wide, unobstructed view of the night sky. Meteors can appear anywhere overhead, but you’ll often see more by looking about halfway up the sky and roughly 40 to 60 degrees away from the radiant. Give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness and try to avoid checking your phone, as even brief exposure to bright screens can disrupt your night vision. If you plan to use a stargazing app to find Lyra, it’s best to familiarize yourself with its general location before you head out for your meteor-hunting session.

A little preparation goes a long way. Bring a picnic blanket or reclining chair so you can comfortably scan the sky, and dress for cooler nighttime temperatures. Even after a warm spring day, overnight conditions can be surprisingly chilly here in Flagstaff. A blanket and a hot beverage (my personal late-night favorite being decaf chai with a bit of brown sugar) can make all the difference! FBN

By Madison Mooney

Madison Mooney is a content writer at Lowell Observatory.

Courtesy Photo: The Lyrids will be active from April 14 through April 30, with the best viewing said to be in the early hours of April 22 and 23.