Lyrid meteor shower dazzles stargazers – here’s what to know

WorldSpace
23 Apr 2026 • 3:58 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Lyrid meteor shower dazzles stargazers – here’s what to know

  • The annual Lyrid meteor shower peaked from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, offering a spectacular display.
  • Stargazers could witness between 10 and 20 shooting stars per hour, with the Northern Hemisphere providing the best viewing opportunities.
  • The Lyrids are remnants of the icy Comet Thatcher, caused by Earth traversing through its debris trail. They are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with reported sightings dating back over 2,500 years.
  • A handful of random meteors are visible on any given night. At predictable times throughout the year, enough can be seen at once to make a more exciting spectacle.
  • The next major shower is soon approaching in early May: the Eta Aquarids, debris from Halley's comet.

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