Prepare for a Meteoric Display!

This week, get ready for an astronomical treat as the Lyrid meteor shower lights up the night sky! Active from April 16 to 25, the peak viewing night will be Monday, making it the perfect time to step outside and gaze upwards.

Where and When to Watch

For sky-watchers in London, the best view will be looking east just after midnight as April 21 turns into April 22. The meteors originate from the radiant point near the constellations of Lyra and Hercules, conveniently close to the dazzling star Vega.

What to Expect

With clear skies and minimal light pollution, enthusiasts can spot between 15 to 20 bright, fast-moving meteors every hour. These fiery fragments enter our atmosphere at a staggering speed of 48 kilometers per second, creating breathtaking streaks across the sky!

A Historic Cosmic Encounter

Though the Lyrids aren’t the most prolific meteor shower, they promise bright fireballs that can take your breath away. Historically, every six decades, this meteor shower can erupt in a spectacular display, revealing hundreds of meteors all at once. One such event recorded in 687 BC in ancient China described a sky where "stars fell like rain," granting the Lyrids the title of the oldest known meteor shower.

Southern Hemisphere Observers Beware!

For those located in the southern hemisphere, witnessing the Lyrid spectacle may be trickier, as the radiant point only becomes visible after midnight.

Don’t Miss Out!

Gear up for this cosmic show and find your favorite stargazing spot—this is a night you won’t want to miss!