After weeks of quiet nights, the skies are stirring again. The Lyrid meteor shower has returned, lighting up the dark. It marks the start of the 2025 meteor season. Stargazers have good reason to stay up late this week.
The Lyrids have been active since 17 April. They will continue until 26 April. But the best time to watch is Monday night. The shower is expected to peak early Tuesday morning.
What to Expect During the Peak
According to the American Meteor Society, up to 18 meteors per hour may appear. This is possible only under perfect dark-sky conditions. The waning crescent moon may limit the view. It could hide the fainter meteor trails in its glow.
NASA's meteor expert Dr Bill Cooke gave helpful advice. He said those in the Northern Hemisphere will have the best chance. Especially in places with little light pollution. Viewers could still spot around five meteors an hour. The ideal time is between 10 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.
Dr Cooke shared a useful tip for watchers. He urged people to avoid checking their phones. "That bright screen kills your night vision," he said. Letting your eyes adjust to the dark is key.
Where the Lyrids Come From
The Lyrids come from Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher). This icy body visits our solar system every 415 years. Even so, Earth passes through its dusty trail each April. That trail gives us the annual Lyrid meteor shower.
The Lyrids are one of the oldest known showers. They’ve been lighting up skies for over 2,700 years. Ancient civilisations recorded their presence long ago.
Astronomer Dean Regas explained how it works. Tiny comet particles hit our atmosphere at high speed. Most are no bigger than a grain of sand. They burn up fast, leaving behind bright streaks.
Rare Surprises and What’s Next
Though the Lyrids are usually modest, they can surprise. Sometimes, they burst into meteor storms. In rare cases, up to 100 meteors flash across the sky each hour. The next burst is predicted for around 2042.
Can’t catch them this year? Don’t worry. The show doesn’t end here. The Eta Aquariids arrive in early May. Then come the Perseids and Geminids later this year. There’s always more to see if you keep looking up.
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