Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight with Optimal Viewing Conditions

The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest recorded meteor events, is set to peak tonight, April 21, 2026, into the early hours of April 22. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere can anticipate viewing up to 20 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.

The Lyrids originate from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which Earth intersects annually. This year, the peak is expected around 4 p.m. EDT (20:00 GMT) on April 22, during daylight hours for much of North America. Therefore, the best viewing times are during the predawn hours of April 22, when the radiant point in the constellation Lyra is highest in the sky.

To maximize the viewing experience, it is recommended to find a dark location away from city lights, allow 20–30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the darkness, and avoid using phones or other bright lights. No special equipment is necessary; patience and a clear sky are sufficient.

The Lyrid meteor shower has been observed for over 2,500 years, with records dating back to 687 B.C. in China. While typically producing 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the Lyrids have occasionally surprised observers with outbursts of up to 100 meteors per hour.

Following the Lyrids, the next major meteor shower will be the Eta Aquariids, peaking in early May and originating from Halley’s Comet.