Lyrid’s annual meteor shower really kicks off tonight – with lucky skygazers expected to be treated with a flurry of shooting stars.
The shower, which has stunned people around the world for more than 2,700 years, will run from April 13 to April 27. But the peak is expected to be in the early hours of April 22.
The NASA website recommends that you research the striking phenomena in the northern hemisphere between moonset and dawn so that the moonlight does not obscure your view.
While no binoculars or telescopes are needed, observers should seek to move away from the city to avoid light pollution and bring a sleeping bag or blanket with them so they can stay warm during the show.
“Lie on your back with your feet facing east and look up, admiring the sky as much as possible,” NASA said. “After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adjust and you will start to see meteors.
“Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse of it.
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich echoed this as it has said previously: “The later you wait in the morning, the higher the radiation will rise and the fewer meteors will be hidden below the horizon.
(Image: PA)
“But the closer you get to sunrise, the brighter the sky will become, so plan accordingly!”
Lyrid meteors radiate from the constellation Lyra, which can easily be spotted.
You’ll want to research Vega, who is the brightest star in the constellation, reports The Mirror.
Meteors come from the debris of comets that explode once they enter Earth’s atmosphere. The remains of the comets then disintegrate, creating fiery streaks in the sky.
According to Earthsky, the best way to see Vega is to look northeast in the sky.
The Lyrids are known to have stunned observers with up to 100 meteors in an hour.
The shower was previously sighted in Virginia in 1803, Greece in 1922, Japan in 1945 and the United States in 1982.