Lyrid Meteor Shower Returns to North America
Residents of North America are in for a treat as the annual Lyrid meteor shower has returned, giving stargazers a chance to see shooting stars across the night sky, and it looks like Chicagoland is a prime viewing spot.
What is the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
The Lyrid meteor shower—also known as the April Lyrids—is an annual meteor shower that typically occurs between April 15 and 29. This year’s shower is expected to be a spectacular event, with the potential for viewers to see up to 20 shooting stars per hour during its peak.
When is the Peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
According to AccuWeather, the shower’s peak is set to occur on Monday night, April 21, into early Tuesday morning. During this time, stargazers can expect to see the most meteor activity, making it the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of the shooting stars.
What are the Best Viewing Areas?
“If you’re lucky enough to be in an area with a clear sky and little to no light pollution, you could see up to 20 shooting stars per hour during the peak,” says AccuWeather Meteorologist and Astronomy Expert Brian Lada. But where exactly are the best viewing areas? AccuWeather states that for the best view possible, you should head for the Pacific coast.
Regional Viewing Conditions
“The best places to witness the Lyrid meteor shower will be across the western U.S., parts of the Southwest, central Texas and in a pocket of the Midwest, including areas west and south of Chicago,” explains Lada. On the other hand, residents of the Atlantic coast won’t be as lucky, as a storm is forecasted to move across the eastern half of North America, spreading clouds across most of the East Coast and making it difficult to get a clear view of the shower.
Viewing Conditions Map
Check out the map below to see how the viewing conditions will be in your area:
(Credit: AccuWeather)
Upcoming Meteor Showers
Luckily, the next meteor shower isn’t too far away. The Eta Aquarids are set to peak on the night of May 5-6. The meteor shower is best seen from south of the equator, but onlookers across North America may still see 10 to 30 per hour, according to the American Meteor Society.
Conclusion
The Lyrid meteor shower is a spectacular event that offers a unique opportunity to see shooting stars in the night sky. With the peak of the shower occurring on Monday night, April 21, into early Tuesday morning, stargazers should make sure to find a clear spot with minimal light pollution to maximize their viewing experience. Whether you’re in the Pacific coast, the Midwest, or other parts of North America, the Lyrid meteor shower is an event you won’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Lyrid meteor shower?
A: The Lyrid meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that occurs between April 15 and 29, with the peak typically happening around April 21-22.
Q: Where are the best viewing areas for the Lyrid meteor shower?
A: The best viewing areas for the Lyrid meteor shower are across the western U.S., parts of the Southwest, central Texas, and in a pocket of the Midwest, including areas west and south of Chicago.
Q: How many shooting stars can I expect to see during the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower?
A: During the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, you can expect to see up to 20 shooting stars per hour, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist and Astronomy Expert Brian Lada.
Q: What is the next meteor shower after the Lyrid meteor shower?
A: The next meteor shower after the Lyrid meteor shower is the Eta Aquarids, which is set to peak on the night of May 5-6.
