Lyrids meteor shower: What it is and how to watch it peak this weekend

The Lyrids meteor bathe is without doubt one of the greatest possibilities to identify capturing stars from anyplace on this planet. This yr, the bathe will peak within the early hours of twenty-two and 23 April, making this an ideal weekend for wanting up on the night time’s sky.

What’s the Lyrids meteor bathe?

Meteor showers are attributable to clouds of particles left within the wake of comets. When Earth passes via these clouds on its path across the solar, the tiny grains of mud or rock enter the ambiance at such excessive speeds that the friction between them and the air makes them expend. This produces a flash that strikes throughout the sky.

The Lyrids are attributable to the long-period Comet C/1861 G1, also called Thatcher. Found in 1861, Thatcher takes 415 years to orbit the solar.

When is the Lyrids meteor bathe?

The bathe started on 15 April and can attain its peak on 22 and 23 April. It’s anticipated to finish on 29 April.

Why is it known as the Lyrids meteor bathe?

Every meteor bathe is called after the purpose within the sky the place the meteors appear to begin, or radiate, from. On this case, it’s the northern hemisphere constellation Lyra, which contains the bright star Vega.

The place can I see the Lyrids meteor bathe?

In case you are within the northern hemisphere, search for the constellation Lyra, which will likely be within the east simply after sundown. The constellation received’t be seen from the southern hemisphere, however meteors can journey in all instructions, so some capturing stars is likely to be seen should you look east, too.

How do I watch the Lyrids meteor bathe?

Don’t fear an excessive amount of about discovering Vega, simply let your eyes modify and look out for meteors, which is able to shoot throughout the sky in all instructions. They’ll seem and disappear inside seconds, shifting quickly throughout the sky. From a darkish website, freed from the sky glow produced by metropolis lights, about 10 to fifteen meteors per hour must be seen on the peak of the bathe.