Peaks April 22–23
Next peak: April 22, 2027 · up to ~18 meteors/hour from Lyra.
The Lyrids are among the oldest recorded showers, observed for over 2,700 years. Rates are modest but the shower occasionally surprises with bright meteors that leave glowing persistent trains. Debris comes from the long-period Comet Thatcher.
Watch after the Moon sets and before dawn, when the radiant near Vega in Lyra rises high. No equipment needed — a dark sky and patience reveal the brightest Lyrids.
You don't need a telescope or binoculars — meteor showers are best enjoyed with the naked eye and the widest view of the sky you can find. Get well away from city lights, give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adapt to the dark, dress warmly, and look up. The meteors can appear anywhere; they only trace back to the radiant in Lyra.
The meteors streak out from the constellation Lyra — find it, and you've found the radiant.