Skywatchers can now observe the annual Lyrid meteor shower, which is visible from April 16 to April 25, 2026, and is expected to peak on the night of April 21 into the early hours of April 22.
According to NASA, the peak may produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour under clear, dark skies. The display is expected to be more visible this year due to a dim crescent moon, which will set before peak viewing hours begin, reducing light interference.
The Lyrids can be seen worldwide, with better visibility in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers are advised to look toward the northeastern sky, where the meteors appear to originate from the constellation Lyra.
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through streams of debris left behind by comets. As these particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and create bright streaks of light commonly known as shooting stars. The Lyrids are associated with debris from Comet Thatcher, an icy body that orbits the Sun approximately every 415 years.
“We only get to see the actual comet once every 415 years. But we pass through the grains that have been left in its wake every year around the same time,” said Maria Valdes, who studies meteorites at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Astronomers note that while a few random meteors can be seen on any clear night, meteor showers like the Lyrids create more frequent activity during specific periods of the year. The Lyrids are also considered one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with observations dating back more than 2,500 years.
For the best viewing experience, experts recommend going outdoors after midnight until dawn, away from city lights and tall structures. Allowing 15 to 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to darkness is important, and viewers are advised to avoid looking at bright screens during observation.
“A meteor looks like a trail of light in the sky. What you tend to detect is the motion against the background,” said Lisa Will, an astronomer at San Diego City College.
The next major meteor event will be the Eta Aquarids, expected in early May 2026, which originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
