There is no arguing that the Centennial State has some of the most pristine skies in the world (I mean, have you ever watched the sunset behind the mountains?), but have you ever had a chance to watch a Colorado meteor shower? In a word, it is magical, and can soon be experienced via the 2020 Lyrid meteor shower:

Slated to take place April 16th through the 25th, 2020, the Lyrid meteor shower occurs every spring and is considered to be one of the best of the year.

Flickr/Rocky Raybell

Located in the constellation Lyra (hence the name), the Lyrid meteor shower can produce anywhere between 20 to 100 meteors per hour, some of which are followed by bright trails of dust that can be seen for seconds at a time.

Flickr/NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

What causes this springtime phenomenon? It is all thanks to the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which sheds its dust and debris during this period, resulting in the annual meteor shower. 

Flickr/Rocky Raybell

In Colorado, the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower will be April 22nd and 23rd, with the best time to view between midnight and 6 a.m.

Flickr/Mike Lewinski

Not sure how to find the constellation Lyra? No problem, as the meteors can be seen anywhere in the sky! 

Flickr/Phillip Chee

If you have a chance, we recommend traveling to the small town of Westcliffe to view the Lyrid meteor shower, as it is considered to be One Of The Darkest Places In The Nation.

Flickr/sugarbear96

To learn more about the Lyrid meteor shower, please visit the EarthSky Communications’ website.

Flickr/Marion Paul Baylado

Who will you be watching the meteor shower with? Be sure to let them know by tagging them in the comments! For another perfect viewing location, be sure to check out This International Dark Sky Park In Colorado Will Take You A Million Miles Away From It All.

Flickr/Rocky Raybell

Flickr/NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

Flickr/Mike Lewinski

Flickr/Phillip Chee

Flickr/sugarbear96

Flickr/Marion Paul Baylado

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