The best time for Lyrid Meteor shower: Monday night’s Lyrid Meteor shower to peak: Know the best time to watch “Fireball” on April 22
According to Forbes’ report, the possibility of an estimated 18 shooting stars and glowing fireballs per hour is an unforgettable display for both amateur and professional observers.
Lyrids is one of the oldest meteor showers and has been observed for more than 2,700 years. They will remain active until April 26, but are expected to be visibility overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
Best viewing time and conditions
According to the American Meteor Association, the shower will peak around 13:00 UTC on Tuesday, April 22.
However, the ideal viewing window would be the early morning between 10:30 a.m. and dawn, and as mentioned in the Forbes Report, the peak of local time may be around local time.
NASA recommends that although the crescent’s fading rises around 3:30 a.m., its brightness is limited, with only 27% brightness and should not significantly interfere with viewing conditions. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will have the most obvious vantage point, although the shower can also be seen from the southern latitudes. Although meteors appear to emanate from Stortlation Lyra, near the bright star Vega in the northeast sky, they can appear throughout the night sky.
Fireball Factor: Why These Meteors Stand Out
Unlike more modest meteor showers, Lyrids is known for producing fireballs – in addition to light stars with lasting traces. Dr. Nick Moskovitz of Lowell Observatory, Arizona attributed it to the range of particle sizes in the fragment field.
“From talc to grapefruit-sized particles, Lerides’ particle size ranges,” Moscowwitz said. “They are unique because of the large fragments left by Comet Thatcher.”
These fireballs are brighter than Venus and often leave luminous paths that last for a few seconds, enhancing the wonder of nighttime observers.
Origin and historical significance
The Lyrid Meteor shower is associated with Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), a relatively obscure body that was last seen from Earth in 1861.
“It will not be restored to the internal solar system until 2283,” Moskovitz noted.
Although most meteor showers are caused by more common comets, Lyrids’ irregular parents’ bodies make their level of activity somewhat unpredictable. It is worth noting that an unexpected outbreak occurred about a decade ago, with more than 100 meteors observed every hour.
FAQ
When can I see the Lyrid meteor shower?
According to the American Meteor Association, meteor activity will peak between Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22, before gradually decreasing and ending completely on April 26.
Why is it called a Lyrid Meteor shower?
The Lyrid Meteor shower was derived from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, the diesel was discovered by Ae Thatcher on April 5, 1861. The meteor appears to radiate from a point in the sky, called its radiation.
