If you have ever sat outside during the evening and gazed up at the nighttime sky, you know that South Dakota has some of the lowest light pollution around, making for some of the most pristine skies in America. While our regular nighttime skies are beautiful enough on their own, they will soon become even more magnificent, thanks to the annual Lyrid meteor shower:

Taking place April 16th through the 25th (2020), the Lyrid meteor shower is an annual spring phenomenon that is considered to be one of the best of the year. 

Flickr/Scott Butner

According to Earthsky Communications, the peak viewing time for the meteor shower will be the early morning hours of April 22nd, as there will be no moon to dampen the brightness of the meteors. 

Flickr/Rocky Raybell

Located in the constellation Lyra, the Lyrid meteor shower can produce anywhere between 20 to 100 meteors per hour, though EarthSky says to plan for only 10 to 15 during its peak. 

Flickr/Mike Lewinski

While there will be a decent time gap between each meteor, the bursts can last for seconds on end, thanks to the big trails of dust that follow each explosion. 

Flickr/Rocky Raybell

What causes the annual Lyrid meteor shower? It all comes from the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which sheds its dust and debris during this period and results in this long-awaited nighttime show! 

Flickr/Mike Lewinski

If you aren’t sure how to find Lyra, don’t worry, as you should be able to spot the meteors nearly anywhere in the sky. 

Flickr/NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

For an even more in-depth look at the 2020 Lyrid meteor shower, including its approximate times and coordinates around South Dakota, please visit vercalendario.info’s report on Can Lyrids be seen in the United States?.

Flickr/Jeremy Gillard

Where is your favorite place in South Dakota to take in a meteor shower? Let us know in the comments! If you are looking for the perfect place to view the Lyrid meteor shower, check out One Of The World’s Best Observatories Is Right Here In South Dakota And It’s Bucket List Worthy.

Flickr/Scott Butner

Flickr/Rocky Raybell

Flickr/Mike Lewinski

Flickr/NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

Flickr/Jeremy Gillard

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