The Sky Tonight Update: The Lyrids Meteor Shower

This April 16^th through the 25^th we can look up towards the Lyra constellation to experience the annual meteor shower known as the Lyrids.

The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861.

Though it appears annually from April 16-25, it peaks this year on the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd.

These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. Unfortunately this year the glare from the full moon will block out all but the brightest meteors. If you are patient, you should still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight.  Although these meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, they can appear anywhere in the sky.