This year’s Lyrid meteor shower is set to dazzle skywatchers, with 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour expected at its peak from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The dim crescent moon will not interfere, making for optimal viewing conditions, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by comets, and the Lyrids originate from comet Thatcher. This annual event has been observed for over 2,500 years. To best view the Lyrids, find a dark spot away from city lights after midnight, allow your eyes to adjust, and look towards the constellation Lyra. The next major meteor shower, the Eta Aquarids, will occur in early May.
QUESTION: How might witnessing a meteor shower inspire people to learn more about space and astronomy?
The Lyrid meteor shower is visible now and peaking soon. Here’s how to spot it
