Panamint Springs, California – Sky gazers in Panamint Springs, California, were treated to a mesmerizing sight as Lyrid meteors blazed across the sky on April 24, 2023. The annual Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak on Sunday night through the early morning hours of Monday, providing a celestial spectacle for stargazers.
Although the event may be overshadowed by a full moon rising, experts are offering tips on how best to view the meteor shower. The American Meteor Society predicts that the shower will be most active during this timeframe. Additionally, the pink moon, also known as April’s full moon, is expected to reach its peak full phase at 7:49 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
During the peak of the Lyrids, observers typically witness up to 18 meteors per hour. However, the brightness of the moon this year may hinder the visibility of faint meteors. Ashley King, a postdoctoral researcher in planetary sciences at London’s Natural History Museum, explained that the Lyrids’ radiant, the point from which the meteors appear to originate, will not rise high enough in the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky for optimal visibility.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the Lyrids, experts advise stepping outside at least 10 to 15 minutes before trying to spot a meteor to allow their eyes to adjust. While meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, using telescopes or binoculars is not recommended due to their limited field of view, according to NASA.
While the Lyrids may not be the fastest or brightest meteors, they still offer a mesmerizing celestial display. The event serves as a reminder of the activity within our solar system and provides a unique opportunity to witness some of the oldest materials formed within it.
As the pink moon rises on Tuesday, it will be visible worldwide. Despite its name, the full moon may not appear pink but could potentially take on a reddish hue near the horizon due to light passing through Earth’s atmosphere. Viewing the full moon with binoculars or the naked eye is recommended as the moon may be too bright to observe through a telescope.
In addition to the upcoming celestial events in 2024, including supermoons in September and October, sky gazers can look forward to a variety of meteor showers throughout the year. The American Meteor Society highlights the dates when these meteor events are expected to peak, offering opportunities for enthusiasts to witness the wonders of the universe.