The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest known meteor showers, is active now through late April.
However, the prime time to catch the shower is during its peak from Monday night (April 21) to Tuesday morning (April 22), a window when as many as 15 meteors per hour may be visible under dark skies.
Here’s how you can catch a glimpse, according to NASA + the Old Farmer’s Almanac:
- Try viewing the meteor shower between midnight and dawn.
- Find a dark place with no lights or obstructions.
- Look straight above you in the sky, though keep in mind it takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark — after that, spotting meteors becomes easier.
- Don’t use binoculars.
Lyrids don’t leave a trail. Instead, keep your eyes peeled for a “fireball,” or a bright flash of light. Good luck and happy gazing.
