Lyrids Meteor Shower Produces Surges Of 100 Meteors Per Hour Over South Carolina

Who says a major event worth attending has to include a crowd, festival food, or midway rides? That’s just not the case with a meteor shower – an event best experienced underneath the darkest of skies and late at night – or in the wee hours before dawn. Mark you calendar, set a reminder on your phone, tape a huge note on the front of your fridge… do whatever works for you so that you don’t miss the dazzling Lyrids meteor shower set for April 16 through April 25.

Typically, Lyrids produces a steady 10 to 15 meteors per hour, but is most admired for its unpredictable surges that produce up to 100 meteors per hour.

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The meteors (particles of dust) originate from the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher and were first seen and recorded in 687 B.C.

Wikipedia/Bruce McClure and Joni Hall - EarthSky.org

The constellation Lyra seen in the EarthSky illustration above should rise in the northeast sky around 10 p.m., but the moon may inhibit visibility.

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As a result, the best time to view Lyrids is in the hours just before dawn. And the best part?

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If your back yard doesn’t have a lot of light pollution spilling into the area or obstacles blocking your view of the sky, then you can likely witness Lyrids without leaving your own yard.

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Lyrids should be active from April 16-25, but the peak viewing time will be just before dawn on April 22, 2020.

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Need a little something extra to look forward to? Then cross your fingers for clear skies at some point between April 16-25 so you can get up before dawn to watch the upcoming Lyrid meteor shower. Some people also download an app on their mobile phone (Star Walk 2 is a good one) that sends a reminder on the night big things are happening in the skies above. With most star gazing apps, you can also hold your phone parallel to the ground and facing the sky and the app will give you a tour of the constellations.