Meteor shower lyrids will peak tonight. What you should know is as follows
Astronomy enthusiasts, take note: NASA reports that the
Lyrid meteor shower will peak overnight on Sunday and into Monday.
As the full moon draws closer, the moon will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase,
making it more challenging to spot meteors. It is anticipated that only a
handful of meteors each hour will be visible to the unaided eye, even under
perfect circumstances far from city lights.
"For a dedicated observer, it may still be worth
spotting members of one of the oldest known meteor showers – the Lyrids have
been observed for 2,700 years," according to NASA.
When and where to witness the meteor shower in Lyrid
The meteor shower is most visible throughout the night of
Sunday and Monday. Visitors are advised by EarthSky to travel to rural areas where
the sky is as clear and black as possible. To observe, viewers should make an
effort to stand in the moon's shadow.
"If you can block out the sight of the moon, yet still have some sky left
for seeing meteors, you might see some of the brightest Lyrids blaze past in
the bright moonlight," wrote EarthSky. "Remember, even one bright
meteor can make your night!"
Although viewers are unlikely to see so many this year
because to the brilliant moon, EarthSky says that the Lyrids are renowned for
surges that can bring rates of up to 100 meteors per hour. When there is no
moon and the sky is dark, viewers may observe 10 to 15 Lyrids every hour.
Meteor showers: What are they for?
Every night, space pebbles known as meteors shoot across the
sky when they enter Earth's atmosphere. A number of meteors strike Earth's
atmosphere in a brief amount of time during meteor showers, which occur
multiple times a year. The hot, incandescent air that the meteors leave behind
creates light streaks as they fly through Earth's atmosphere.
Some meteors make it to Earth, but the majority burn up as they fall. They are
regarded as meteorites.
What else is visible in the sky this spring when you look up?
This month, as the full moon rises in April, astronomy
enthusiasts can observe the Pink. NASA reports that the full moon in April will
be at its brightest on Tuesday at 7:49 PM EDT, but it will seem full from
Monday morning through Thursday morning. For various ZIP codes around the
country, The Old Farmer's Almanack provides precise moonrise hours.
It is predicted that the peak of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower will occur on
Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. NASA states that the speed of these meteors
is well recognised. Moonlight interference during the Eta Aquariid meteor
shower is expected to be minimal.
The Flower Moon, which is May's full moon, is at its
brightest on May 23.