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This spring, the skies will dazzle us with two spectacular meteor showers—the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids.
The Lyrids – Peaking on April 22-23
Originating from the debris of comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, the Lyrids are expected to produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. While this year's moon may wash out the fainter meteors, the brightest will still cut through the night sky, creating spectacular trails. Don't focus too much on the peak night; the days leading up to and following April 22nd will still provide wonderful opportunities to see these fast and bright meteors. For the best experience, find a dark spot after midnight, look up, and let the cosmos do the rest.
The Eta Aquarids – Peaking on May 6-7
Thanks to the nearly new moon coinciding with their peak, the Eta Aquarids promise an excellent show this year. This shower, known for its speed and produced by dust particles from Halley's Comet, can light up the sky with up to 60 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, expect about 30 visible meteors per hour. Like the Lyrids, while peak nights are spectacular, the entire first week of May is a great time to gaze upwards. The meteors will seem to emanate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear across the sky.
How to Watch these Meteor Showers
Timing: Choose any night during the active periods of the showers (April 16-25 for Lyrids and April 19-May 28 for Eta Aquarids). The best viewing times are after midnight and before dawn.
Location: Use a light pollution map to find the darkest skies near you (lightpollutionmap.info).
Preparation: Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Lie back to take in as much of the sky as possible. Dress warmly, and maybe bring a reclining chair or blanket for comfort.
Join Us
AstroTours.org is hosting viewing events on the peak nights of both meteor showers. While these gatherings enhance the experience with professional guidance and high-quality telescopes, you don’t need to join a tour to enjoy the shows. However, if you prefer a guided experience or wish to learn more about what you’re seeing, consider booking with us at AstroTours.org/book.
Meteor showers are a beautiful reminder of the cosmos' dynamic nature, accessible to everyone, everywhere. Whether you join one of our tours or set out on your own, the universe offers something incredible to behold. So mark your calendars, prepare your viewing spot, and enjoy the celestial show!