You don’t have to go far from home for fantastic stargazing if you live in North Dakota. With so many wide-open spaces, dark country roads, and quiet areas with little to no light pollution, it’s one of the many perks of living on the prairie. In April, you’ll definitely want to go out and find a secluded spot to view the Lyrid meteor shower when it lights up the North Dakota skies. Here’s what you can look forward to:
The North Dakota skies are perfect for stargazing and watching meteor showers. With such a large, open space and clear horizon, plus very low light pollution, it doesn’t matter where you are — you’re always a short drive or just a step outside from looking at thousands of stars in the sky.
Justin Kern/Flickr
Thanks to these conditions, that means the state is perfect for viewing meteor showers. Lucky for us, the Lyrid meteor shower, or the Lyrids, is coming up next month in April of 2020. It will peak on the night of April 21st.
Mike Lewinski/Flickr
When viewing the Lyrids, you’ll want to find the Lyra constellation — which is what they are named after. This will be towards the northeast, and its the northern hemisphere that’ll get the best show.
Virginia State Parks/Flickr
If you are having trouble finding the Lyra constellation, look for Vega — one of the brightest stars in the sky — that’s part of the constellation. From here, look slightly up and to the right, and you could see many meteors streak across the sky during the peak.
ched cheddles/Flickr
The fireballs of the Lyrid meteors are known to occasionally be bright enough to cast shadows and even leave behind a trail that lasts for minutes. It’s certainly a spectacular sight!
Rocky Raybell/Flickr
The moon will not be full on the night of the meteor shower, so viewing should be fairly good. Head out to a quiet, rural area on the night of April 21st, sit back, and enjoy the show.
Islam Hassan/Flickr
The American Meteor Society has more information about this upcoming shower and others later this year. Learn more by visiting their website. Need ideas on where to go see this amazing part of nature? Try these secluded natural spots in North Dakota. Note that some of these may not be accessible at night, or may not currently have camping options available, but they are great to put on your list for future adventures.
Justin Kern/Flickr
Mike Lewinski/Flickr
Virginia State Parks/Flickr
ched cheddles/Flickr
Rocky Raybell/Flickr
Islam Hassan/Flickr
If you take any cool photos of the meteor shower when it happens, be sure to share them with us in our North Dakota Nature Lovers group on Facebook!
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