astronomy
Get Ready for a Spectacular Show: Lyrid Meteor Shower to Illuminate the Night Sky!
The annual Lyrid meteor shower is one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year. It is a meteor shower that occurs every year from April 15 to April 29. This year, the best time to watch the Lyrids will be from late evening April 21 until dawn April 22 – or late evening April 22 until dawn April 23.
The peak of the Lyrids will occur on April 23 at 1:06 UTC. It is important to note that the peak of the Lyrids is narrow, unlike some other showers that have weeks-long stretches of meteor-watching. Therefore, it is crucial to observe the meteor shower during the peak to get the best view.
The radiant of the Lyrid meteor shower rises before midnight and is highest in the sky at dawn. This means that the best time to observe the shower is during the early morning hours. Additionally, there will be no moon in the sky during the peak mornings for 2023’s Lyrid meteor shower, making it easier to see the meteors.
Under ideal conditions, viewers can expect to see 10 to 15 Lyrids per hour. However, the Lyrids are known for uncommon surges that can sometimes bring rates of up to 100 per hour. This is due to the fact that the Lyrids are produced by the debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, which orbits the Sun once every 415 years.
It is important to note that the radiant point of the Lyrid meteor shower is far to the north on the sky’s dome. Therefore, viewers in the Southern Hemisphere will see fewer Lyrid meteors. However, they may still be able to catch a glimpse of the meteor shower.
In conclusion, the Lyrid meteor shower is an annual event that should not be missed by astronomy enthusiasts. With the peak occurring on April 23 and no moon in the sky, viewers can expect to see a spectacular display of shooting stars. Make sure to mark your calendars and set your alarms to witness this mesmerizing celestial event.
https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide/
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
