The annual Lyrid meteor shower starts today, April 16, and continues through April 25. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more about watching this annual event…
The bright waning gibbous moon will prevent viewers from seeing a spectacular meteor display, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see any meteors. The showers emanate from the constellation of Lyra; its principal star, Vega, is the third brightest star in the northern hemisphere. Vega will rise in the northeast between 9 and 10 p.m. Normally, the best hours for viewing meteors is in the early morning hours before dawn. But because of the moon, the best viewing will be after Vega rises and before the moon rise around midnight. These hours are also the best time to catch an earthgrazer, a slow-moving and long-lasting meteor that travels horizontally across your sky.
