Trending Now - Catch the Lyrid Meteor Shower: Viewing Tips for Peak Night

WHO:

AP News - Maria Valdes, a meteorite researcher at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lisa Will, an astronomer with San Diego City College, are mentioned in relation to the Lyrid meteor shower.

WHAT:

AP News - The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to produce 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour during its peak, with the display peaking on the night of April 19th into the morning of April 20th, 2026.

AP News - The crescent moon will set before the meteor shower peaks, allowing for optimal viewing conditions.

AP News - The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to produce 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour during its peak.

AP News - The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with sightings dating back over 2,500 years.

AP News - The next major meteor shower, the Eta Aquarids, will occur in early May 2026.

WHERE:

AP News - The Lyrid meteor shower will be visible globally, with the best views in the Northern Hemisphere.

WHEN:

AP News - The Lyrid meteor shower will peak on the night of April 19th into the morning of April 20th, 2026.

AP News - Skywatchers are advised to go outside after midnight to view the meteor shower.

WHY:

AP News - Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris trails left by space rocks, which heat up and produce streaks of light as they enter the atmosphere.

HOW:

AP News - Observers are advised to bring lawn chairs or a sleeping bag and to be patient while waiting for the meteors to appear.

AP News - To view the Lyrids, observers should venture away from tall buildings and city lights, allowing 15 to 30 minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness.

AP News - The meteors will appear to originate from the constellation Lyra in the northeastern sky.

(UPDATED April 18, 2026 19:17 UTC)

The Lyrid meteor shower is set to dazzle skywatchers with an expected display of 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour, peaking on the night of April 19th into the morning of April 20th. With the crescent moon setting before the peak, conditions will be ideal for viewing this celestial event. Observers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or sleeping bags and to be patient as they wait for the meteors to light up the night sky.

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(UPDATED April 18, 2026 17:11 UTC)

The Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of April 19th into the morning of April 20th, with an expected display of 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour, especially visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorite researcher Maria Valdes and astronomer Lisa Will highlight that the Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with sightings dating back over 2,500 years, and skywatchers are encouraged to head outside after midnight for the best viewing experience. To catch the meteors, it's recommended to find a dark spot away from city lights and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness, as the meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra in the northeastern sky.