If you have been staying up at all hours during the lockdown, you may want to go out on your balcony and witness the universe’s very own late-night show. The Lyrid meteor shower has peaked and is going to be visible for a few more days. By Upasana Singh
The Lyrid meteor shower peaked on Wednesday, April 22. If you missed the chance to see this annual wonder, don’t worry as the showers will remain in your sky for the rest of the week. The Lyrid meteor shower is active each year, from around April 16 to April 26.
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The meteor shower comes from dust particles shed by Comet Thatcher that orbits the sun every 415 years. Emanating from the constellation Lyra, the shower has been observed since 687 BC. There is no other record of modern showers that date this far back in time.
After a month-long meteor drought between early January and April every year, the Lyrid showers appear in the sky. This year, you can view the shower when there is just a sliver of a new moon that doesn’t rise until the early morning. The dark hours of the night–around midnight to 2 am–is the prime time to soak in this natural light show. However, make sure to look out as you might have other chances to see them, before or after their peak.
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The Lyrid meteor shower is especially clear for meteor-watchers in the Northern Hemisphere, who can see up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. As a result of decreased levels of light pollution during the lockdown, observers will be able to see the showers clearly. A dark place is a must for you to lie down and look up at the night sky. Nights without a moon will reveal the most meteors. Some meteors are brighter, known as ‘Lyrid fireballs’, similar to shooting stars, casting shadows and leaving behind smoky debris trails. Fascinating, right?
So, get your binoculars out already. Do not miss out on this enchanting stargazing adventure!
Related: You Don’t Want To Miss These Celestial Events In 2020!