How to watch the Lyrids meteor shower peak this weekend
You have a decent chance of seeing shooting stars from anywhere in the world during the Lyrids meteor shower peak in the early hours of 22 and 23 April
By Abigail Beall
21 April 2023
Lyrids meteor shower over Eryri National Park, UK, also known as Snowdonia National Park, on 20 April
Gareth Mon Photography
The Lyrids meteor shower is one of the best chances to spot shooting stars from anywhere in the world. This year, the shower will peak in the early hours of 22 and 23 April, making this a perfect weekend for looking up at the night’s sky.
What is the Lyrids meteor shower?
Meteor showers are caused by clouds of debris left in the wake of comets. When Earth passes through these clouds on its path around the sun, the tiny grains of dust or rock enter the atmosphere at such high speeds that the friction between them and the air makes them burn up. This produces a flash that moves across the sky.
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The Lyrids are caused by the long-period Comet C/1861 G1, also known as Thatcher. Discovered in 1861, Thatcher takes 415 years to orbit the sun.
Shooting stars during the 2020 Lyrids meteor shower Ingo Bartussek/Shutterstock
When is the Lyrids meteor shower?
The shower began on 15 April and will reach its peak on 22 and 23 April. It is expected to end on 29 April.
