Des Moines, Iowa – After the captivating display of the recent solar eclipse, skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere have another celestial event to look forward to – the Lyrid meteor shower. Spanning over a week, the Lyrid shower is one of the oldest known meteor showers, with peak activity expected on April 23, as per experts.
Caroline Roberts, the University of Iowa’s astronomy lab coordinator, advises enthusiasts to head to darker areas to spot the Lyrid meteors, as light pollution and the bright moon may hinder visibility. To maximize sightings, the best time to observe the shower is during the dark hours after moonset but before dawn, with the radiant near the Lyra constellation, close to the bright star Vega.
In Iowa, state parks remain open until late evening, providing ample opportunities to witness the meteor shower. Roberts recommends avoiding telescopes or binoculars and instead lying down to take in as much of the sky as possible. She suggests spending around 30 minutes in the dark to allow eyes to adjust, increasing the chances of spotting meteors streaking across the sky.
To fully appreciate the Lyrid meteor shower, rise early to catch a glimpse as the source of the meteors rises more north throughout the night. Described as shooting stars, Lyrid meteors can be observed at a rate of 10 to 20 per hour during peak activity, traveling at 29 miles per second.
Roberts reminds observers to be patient as meteors may appear anywhere in the sky, emphasizing the importance of a clear, unobstructed view. While meteors resemble shooting stars, they are distinct phenomena that add to the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky.