Where Can You See The Lyrid Meteor Shower?

Beginning Apr. 16, a beautiful meteor shower will take over the starry-night sky. However, with so many stars in the sky and places to view, it may be hard to actually find where in the sky the shower will take place. So where can you best see the Lyrids meteor shower?

Luckily, the Lyrids meteor shower — which happens once a year — always takes place near the constellation Lyra the Harp, which is connected to the Vega star. Once you find this constellation, you will be able to spot where the meteor showers are to take place. As for the timing of the shower? That honestly depends on the evening. According to EarthSky, you may be able to see 10 to 20 showers an hour! This all depends on the weather and the brightness of the moon, but by the looks of it, the moon will be a small crescent at the time and won’t takeaway from the beautiful showers set to take place.

Now here’s what you should keep in mind while star gazing and waiting on the Lyrids meteor shower: finding the constellation or Vega star isn’t that essential. Technically meteors can show at any point in the sky, it’s just a matter of being patient to see them. However, the reason for pointing out the Vega star is to know where the showers are at their best in the sky. It’s simply a guideline for where to angle your blanket and head while stargazing that night.

It may be possible, in fact, to see a small meteor shower anytime since the Lyrids shower actually takes place from Apr. 16 to Apr. 25 of this year. Nevertheless, the shower is at it’s peak on the evening of Apr. 22 to Apr. 23. That night, the Vega star will climb upwards in the sky, and by midnight the meteor shower will be at it's peak until dawn. So make sure to be caffeinated for the night ahead!