- Science
- Explainer
The Lyrid meteor shower happens once a year—and it’s about to peak
One of the oldest annual showers on record, the Lyrids put on a show each spring. Here’s what to know about how to see it and where it came from.
Each spring, sky-watchers get a chance to witness the Lyrids, one of the oldest known annual meteor showers. This celestial event is known to deliver bright and impressively fast streaks across Northern Hemisphere skies, with surprise bursts of extra activity on rare occasions.
The sky show is also considered to be one of the most reliable, making its appearance each April. This year, the Lyrid meteor shower will peak on the evening of Saturday, April 22.
But what’s the best way to watch it—and what causes this display in the first place? Here’s what you need to know.
The best views of the meteors happen when the sky is dark and moonless. So always check for current
