Lyrids Meteor Shower 2021
The Lyrids meteor shower, one of the oldest-known meteor showers, is active until April 29 and predicted to peak overnight from Sunday into Monday. Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere can observe it best when the moon is less bright, and it's recommended to find a dark sky away from city lights.
Key Points
- Lyrids meteor shower is active until April 29
- Best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere
- Lyra constellation is the radiant point of the shower
- Fireballs are brighter than Venus
- First recorded sighting of Lyrids was over 2,700 years ago
- Lyrids come from the trail of comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher
- Comet Thatcher takes over 400 years to orbit the sun
Pros
- Opportunity to witness one of the oldest-known meteor showers
- Educational experience about comets, asteroids, and meteor showers
- Potential to see bright flashes called fireballs
Cons
- Difficulty in viewing due to nearly full moon
- Need to find a dark sky away from city lights