Watch The 2020 Lyrid Meteor Shower In Alabama This April

Each year, Alabama’s night sky hosts an array of celestial events. One of these celestial events, which is just a few weeks away, is the Lyrid meteor shower. To learn all about this annual meteor shower, including why it’s a must-see, take a look below.

This year’s Lyrid meteor shower is expected to last from April 16-25, and it’s going to peak around April 22.

flickr/Rocky Raybell

Even though 10 to 15 meteors normally occur per hour at the shower’s peak, rare surges of 100 meteors per hour can also take place. Pretty incredible, huh?

flickr/Jeremy Gillard

Interestingly, the Lyrid meteor shower dates all the way back to 687 B.C., which makes it one of the oldest known meteor showers to ever be recorded.

flickr/Islam Hassan

It appears the meteors from this shower originated from a constellation known as Lyra. A small group of stars makes up Lyra, including Alpha Lyrae, which is best known as Vega, the constellation’s brightest star.

flickr/Bill Koontz

In addition to Vega being Lyra’s brightest star, it’s also the fifth-brightest star in the night sky. While watching this year’s Lyrid meteor shower, be sure to search for Vega. It’ll make viewing that much easier.

flickr/sebastien lebrigand

The main source of the meteor shower is the comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher). The debris this comet sheds is in the form of dust particles. After shedding, the dust particles dart across the night sky.

flickr/-Vik-

The best time to view this year’s Lyrid meteor shower is during the predawn hours of April 22. Because the moon won’t be visible, there’s no better time to experience this unforgettable celestial event. You don’t want to miss it!

flickr/Mike Lewinski

Have you ever experienced the Lyrid meteor shower in Alabama? Are you planning to watch it this year? If so, please let us know in the comments.