Trending Now - Catch the Stunning 2026 Lyrid Meteor Shower Tonight!

WHO:

The Times - Comet Thatcher, named after American amateur astronomer AE Thatcher, is associated with the Lyrid meteor shower.

WHAT:

The Times - The Lyrid meteor shower will peak on April 22, 2026, with the potential to see 10 to 15 meteors per hour, and as many as 100 at the peak.

Space.com - Lyrid meteors were photographed blazing through Earth's atmosphere on the nights surrounding the April 22 peak.

WHERE:

The Times - In the UK, ideal viewing locations include Northumberland and Snowdonia national parks and Galloway Forest Park in Scotland.

The Times - In the US, recommended locations include Big Bend National Park in Texas, Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, and Death Valley and Joshua Tree national parks in California.

WHEN:

The Times - The best time to view the meteor shower in the UK is between midnight on April 22, 2026, and the early hours of April 23, 2026, and in the US between 10:30 PM on April 22, 2026, and dawn on April 23, 2026.

The Times - The Lyrid meteor shower was first recorded by astronomers in China in 687 BC.

WHY:

The Times - The chance of seeing the Lyrid meteor shower is greater in 2026 because the moon will be a crescent and set early in the evening, reducing moonlight glare.

HOW:

The Times - To maximize chances of seeing the meteors, viewers should look straight up in dark, clear skies, away from light pollution and clouds.

The Times - It is recommended to allow 20 to 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to darkness and to avoid using mobile phones, as their light can hinder visibility.

(UPDATED April 22, 2026 15:25 UTC)

The Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak on Wednesday, offering a spectacular display with the potential to see between 10 to 15 meteors per hour, and possibly up to 100 at its peak. Ideal viewing locations in the UK include Northumberland and Snowdonia national parks, while in the US, places like Big Bend National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are recommended for the best experience. To catch the meteors, viewers should look straight up in dark, clear skies after allowing their eyes to adjust to the darkness, especially since the crescent moon will set early, reducing glare.