The 2012 Lyrid meteorite storm as captured by astronaut Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station.
NASA
Meteor season is back with the annual Lyrid meteor shower. The first three months of most years are a relatively dry period for viewers in the sky, as there is usually not much happening between the land Square meteor shower early January and the Lyrids. The Lyrids are a welcome return from the chance to venture out in the middle of mild temperatures at night and embark on a heavenly performance.
The Lyrids build at a peak on the evening of April 21st until the early morning hours of April 22nd. If you can not get out at night, or if the weather does not work together where you are, one night before or after the peak is also expected to provide a reasonably good viewing opportunity.
The Lyrids do not produce many meteors, perhaps 10 to 15 per hour, but are likely to include bright, dramatic fireballs than other large showers. Every few decades we get an eruption during the Lyrids that increases the rate to about 100 per hour. It is not predicted in 2021, but such things are also difficult to predict.
The source of the Lyrids is the cloud of debris left behind by a comet named C / 1861 G1 Thatcher, which was last seen in the 19th century and has not passed through the inner solar system for more than two centuries. But every year our planet drifts through the cloud of dust it left behind on previous visits. Small spaces and other pieces of dust and debris collide with our atmosphere and burn high above us, producing the fleeting little light cold, so many are willing to get up late or wake up early to catch up.
This year, with a moon that will be more than two-thirds full on the crest of the Lyrids, it’s probably best to try to see the spectacle before dawn and after the moon in your place.
Perseid meteorite photos in 2020 shine brightly in a dark year
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But that does not mean that viewing in the evening will necessarily be fruitless. The hours after dusk can offer a good chance of catching a bright “Aardweier” along the horizon.
When looking for Lyrids, get as far away from light pollution as possible and find a place like an open field or hilltop with a wide, unobstructed view of the night sky. Lie down, let your eyes adjust, relax and just look.
It is not necessary to look at a specific part of the sky, but it seems that the Lyrids emerge outside their named constellation Lyra and pull away like spokes on a wheel from that part of the sky. If you can find Lyra and orient yourself on it, it’s great, but absolutely not necessary.
Stay warm, stay safe and enjoy the space show! If your amateur astrophotographers happen to catch large Lyrid fireballs, please share them with @EricCMack on Twitter.
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