Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight with Optimal Viewing Conditions

The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest recorded meteor events, reaches its peak tonight, April 22, 2026. Skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere can anticipate optimal viewing conditions, with the potential to observe up to 20 meteors per hour.

The Lyrids are active annually from April 14 to April 30, originating from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which orbits the sun every 415.5 years. This year, the peak coincides with a moonless early morning sky, enhancing visibility.

For the best experience, observers should find a dark location away from city lights and allow their eyes 15 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, near the bright star Vega, but can be seen across the sky.

The Lyrid meteor shower has been observed for over 2,500 years, with records dating back to ancient China. While typically producing 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the Lyrids have occasionally surprised observers with bursts exceeding 100 meteors per hour.

Following the Lyrids, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, originating from Halley's Comet, will be active from April 19 to May 28, peaking on the night of May 5-6.