Alexander Lewis
Apr 09, 2024
Prepare yourself to catch a glimpse of the Lyrid metro shower. This Lyrid metro shower occurs annually as Earth crosses paths through the debris trail left by the asteroids and Comet Thatcher.
These meteors, also known as shooting stars, streak across the sky, leaving behind a luminous dust trail. About 15 to 20 meteors can be spotted per hour, but there have been instances of intense outbursts reaching up to 100 meteors per hour, which is why they happen around the same time every year.
Lyrid meteors are small pieces of Comet Thatcher, a long-period comet with roughly a 422-year orbit, discovered by A. E. Thatcher.
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This Lyrid meteor shower is expected to be seen from April 16 to April 22, 2024, just before dawn. According to Space.com, Lyrids are the oldest recorded showers, with observations dating back to 687 B.C.
The Lyrid meteor shower has been observed for over 2,700 years. From ancient Chinese astronomers to residents of Richmond, Virginia, people have been amazed by these shooting stars lighting up the sky, since 1803.
Although hindered by the moon’s almost full brightness, there is still a chance to witness this breathtaking phenomenon. For a glimpse of this amazing celestial event, there is no need for any special equipment to see the meteors; one must find a dark place under the sky and allow himself to see as much of the sky as possible.
