Though the peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower has passed, you should still be able to take a sneak peek at a few remnant shooting stars. We recommend you to try to observe the sky show since you’re most likely already stuck at home.
About The Event
The Lyrid meteor shower is an annual occurring. It started last week, and it will most likely still be observable this weekend, officials from the Griffith Observatory said.
If you want to catch the show, make sure you watch the skies at about 10 p.m.
However, if you want to admire the “shooting stars” in all their beauty, you must search for them about one or two hours before dawn, astronomers say.
The Lyrids have an interesting backstory. They are bits of rock and dust that are left behind by the comet C/1861 G (also known as “Thatcher”).
The Lyrids are observable this time of the year because of our planet ventures through a cloud of space debris from an earlier passing of the comet.
The most recent trip through the inner solar system of the comet was in 1861. The shards of the comet collide with Earth’s upper atmosphere at the blazing speed of 43 kilometers per second.
The phenomenon is best visible in dark skies with little to no light pollution or cloud cover. Also, the moon is nearing its new phase, so there won’t be any moonlight to compromise the view.
The Lyrids aren’t the most impressive meteor showers, but, after a few months without any significant similar events, they are much welcome.
Just keep in mind to respect social distancing boundaries so that you don’t get in trouble, and you keep yourself and others safe.