Explore the latest developments concerning Lyrid meteor shower.
Lyrid meteor shower 2026: When, where & how to see it
The best time to view the Lyrids this year will be early morning on April 22.
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The Lyrids Return: A 2,600-Year-Old Meteor Shower
The Lyrids meteor shower returns this week, offering a celestial spectacle that has been lighting up night skies for over 2,600 years. As Earth passes through the dusty trail of Comet Thatcher, meteors streak across the darkness at 110,000 mph. The best time to view them happens Tuesday night (April 21) into early Wednesday morning (April 22). No telescope needed, just dark skies and patience. Ancient Chinese astronomers documented this same show in 687 B.C.E.
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Starwatch: Lyrid meteor shower returns to the spring skies
First recorded in 687BC, the meteoroids were once part of the tail of a comet discovered in 1861
This week, the annual Lyrid meteor shower returns to the spring skies. Although active since 16 April, the shower peaks during the late evening of Wednesday 22 April and early the next morning.
The chart shows the view looking east from London at 00.01 (BST) on Thursday 23 April. The origin point of the meteors, known as the radiant, is labelled Lyrids. It sits in the constellation of Lyra, the Lyre, close to the bright star of Vega.
The meteors will appear to emanate from the radiant, fanning out in all directions at a maximum rate of about 18 an hour. The meteors themselves are characterised by being bright and fast, sometimes leaving smokey ‘trains’ across the sky.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Lyrid meteor shower.
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