Get ready for a celestial treat! After a long wait, meteor enthusiasts can finally rejoice as the night sky prepares for a dazzling display.

The Lyrid meteor shower, known as the oldest meteor shower on record, is set to hit its peak overnight from Monday to Tuesday. This marks a triumphant end to a more than three-month dry spell for meteor watchers.

Each April, Earth glides through a trail of debris shed by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher). As these tiny fragments of dust and ice enter our atmosphere, they ignite, creating spectacular streaks of light that can leave you breathless.

While the Lyrids may not be as celebrated as the more abundant Perseids or Geminids, they still offer a thrilling show, unleashing up to 20 meteors every hour at peak times. And keep an eye out for the occasional fireball—these meteors can shine brighter than Venus, making them a dazzling sight!

The Lyrid shower boasts a rich history, observed for over 2,700 years, with the earliest sighting recorded in 687 BC. Interestingly, every six decades or so, the shower can erupt into a flurry of activity. For instance, in 1982, sky watchers were treated to more than 100 meteors per hour! The next significant outburst won't occur until 2042, making this year's display a unique opportunity.

Although this year’s show may not shatter records, it promises to be a stunning spectacle for those brave enough to venture out into the cool spring night. For optimal viewing, seek out clear, dark skies far from city lights. Beware, though—the rising Last Quarter Moon could obscure the faintest meteors in the early morning.

The Lyrids can be spotted across Canada, with ideal viewing times typically occurring after midnight when the radiant point—the area from which the meteors seem to originate—ascends higher into the eastern sky.

Don't miss this chance to witness a breathtaking compilation of cosmic history unfolding right above you!