It’s that time of year again—when the night sky sparkles with wonder. The Lyrid meteor shower has returned, offering stargazers a chance to catch nature’s celestial fireworks. All you need is a clear view and a bit of patience.
Best time to watch the Lyrids
The Lyrids will peak in the early hours of 22 April. The ideal viewing time is between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., just before dawn. During this window, meteors will be brightest and most visible.
The meteors appear to come from the constellation Lyra. This is found near the star Vega, which shines brightly in the northeastern sky. But don’t focus only on Lyra — the most striking meteors often shoot far from the radiant.
Tips for a better skywatching experience
To catch the best view, head somewhere dark. Choose a rural spot, a dark sky park or even a quiet beach. Stay safe by letting someone know your location beforehand.
Allow your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Avoid using bright torches and stick to red light, which helps preserve night vision. Then simply lie back, relax, and enjoy the show.
A waning crescent moon will rise after 3:30 a.m. This means its dim light won’t wash out fainter meteors. Under clear, dark skies, expect to see 15 to 20 meteors an hour. Sometimes, the Lyrids surprise watchers with sudden bursts of activity.
A seasonal favourite in the northern sky
The Lyrids mark one of the first meteor showers of spring. They’re known for fast-moving meteors and occasional bright trails. Many stargazers consider it a seasonal tradition in the northern hemisphere.
So brew a warm drink, grab a blanket, and find a good spot under the stars. The night sky has stories to tell—you just have to look up.
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