The Lyrids meteor shower began last week and will continue through April 28, with the peak Around April 23-23.
“The Lyrids are known for having a fair number of bright meteors,” said John Keller, director of the Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado campus in Boulder. “In the morning hours is when our planet is moving into the stream of meteoroids — the grains of dust that we’re running into — that would cause meteors. It should be a good display.”
The Lyrid meteor shower consists of particles that are remnants from a comet that last passed through our solar system in 1861, according to a post on the websites of the American Meteor Society and the International Meteor Organization.
“Compared to other meteor showers, the Lyrids tend to produce bright meteors and an occasional fireball,” that post explains. “Serious observers should watch for at least an hour as numerous peaks and valleys of activity will occur. If you only view for a short time, it may coincide with a lull of activity. Watching for at least an hour guarantees you will get to see the best this display has to offer.”
