Something to look forward to: April’s Lyrid meteor shower

Metro Wire Staff

Otherwise known as “April’s shooting stars,” the Lyrids meteor shower takes place over the course of several days every April.

In 2020, the show is expected before dawn April 12-25, with peak viewing estimated on April 22.

The Lyrids are known for uncommon surges that can sometimes bring the rate up to 100 per hour. Those rare outbursts are not easy to predict, according to the NASA website, but they’re one of the reasons the tantalizing Lyrids are worth checking out.

The radiant for this shower is near the bright star Vega in the constellation Lyra, which rises in the northeast at about 10 p.m. on April evenings.

No special equipment is needed to watch a meteor shower, though you may want to bring along a blanket or lawn chair, a thermos with a hot drink, binoculars for gazing at the stars. Be sure to dress warmly enough, even in spring or summer, especially in the hours before dawn.