Every April, the Lyrids bring back a meteor shower that has been watched for more than 2,600 years. They aren’t the most dramatic, but their quick flashes and occasional fireballs make them worth staying up for. This shower marks the return of regular meteor activity after a quiet winter sky.
- Duration: April 15–29, 2026.
- Predicted Peak: ~19:15 UTC on April 22, 2026.
- Hourly Rate: Around 18 meteors per hour.
- Radiant: In the northern sky near the constellation Lyra. The radiant rises before midnight.
- Parent Body: Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1).
- Moon Phase: First Quarter Moon on April 24, 2026. A waning crescent moon will set before midnight on the peak night, leaving the sky dark for most of the shower.
Where to watch the Lyrid meteor shower?
The Lyrid meteor shower can be observed in the constellation Lyra, from which it gets its name. This constellation serves as the radiant point for the Lyrid meteor shower. A radiant point is a point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate.
Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025, New York, USA
- Peak Date: 21-22 April, 2025
- Radiant Rise: 21 Apr 2025, 20:31
- Radiant Set: 22 Apr 2025, 13:24
- Moonrise: 22 Apr 2025, 03:26
- Moonset: 22 Apr 2025, 13:39
Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025, London, UK
- Peak Date: 22-23 April, 2025
- Radiant: Up all the time
- Moonrise: 23 Apr 2025, 04:17
- Moonset: 23 Apr 2025, 14:21
Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025, Mumbai, India
- Peak Date: 22-23 April, 2025
- Radiant Rise: 22 Apr 2025, 21:43
- Radiant Set: 23 Apr 2025, 11:36
- Moonrise: 23 Apr 2025, 02:51
- Moonset: 23 Apr 2025, 14:33
Parent body of the Lyrid meteor shower
The Lyrids are the debris trail from the Comet Thatcher, a long-period comet that orbits the sun every 415.5 years. i.e., the Lyrid meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris trail of the comet Thatcher.
Why should you watch the Lyrid meteor shower?
The Lyrids are one of the most exciting and anticipated meteor showers of the year. They are also one of the oldest meteor showers, with the first observations dating back to 687 B.C. and 15 B.C., noted by Chinese astronomers.
The Lyrids are also known for producing bright meteors, and in some years, the Lyrid meteor shower intensifies, potentially producing up to 100 meteors per hour in what is called an “outburst.” However, it’s difficult to predict exactly when this will happen.
How to Observe a Meteor Shower?
The Lyrids, like most meteor showers, do not require any telescope or binoculars. In fact, wide, unobstructed views of the sky are best. Here are some practical tips to maximize your experience:
- Find a dark spot far from streetlights or city glow. Even a little light pollution can spoil the view.
- Let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 30 minutes. Avoid phones or bright screens.
- Meteors can streak anywhere, not just near the radiant. Look up with as wide a view as possible.
- December nights get cold, so bundle up with jackets, hats, and gloves. A blanket or lounge chair helps.
- Bring along drinks, snacks, and extra layers so you can stay comfortable while waiting.
Refer to our Meteor Shower Calendar!
