The Lyrid meteor shower is currently active from April 15 to April 29, with the peak activity happening on Sunday night and Monday morning. However, the shower will still be visible for the next week. On Tuesday night, the Lyrids will coincide with the April full moon, or “pink moon,” which rises at 7:49 p.m. ET. While this moon is not actually pink, it is incredibly bright. The brightness of the moon might make it challenging to see the shooting stars, but with some preparation, you may still catch a few.
Optimal Viewing Conditions
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to observe the Lyrids is in the early morning hours after the moon has set and before sunrise. This means waking up before dawn, around 5:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, to have the greatest chance of seeing the meteor shower without the moon’s interference. If you prefer to watch the shower while the pink moon is still visible on Tuesday night, make sure you are in a dark location. Light pollution can hinder visibility, so finding a spot far from city lights is ideal.
Preparing for the Show
Once you have found a suitable viewing spot away from artificial lights, lie down with your feet pointing east and gaze up at the sky with an unobstructed view. It will take approximately 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, at which point the meteors should start appearing. Since the bright full moon may obscure some of the shooting stars, patience will be necessary. While the moon puts on its own display, keep your eyes peeled for the Lyrids streaking through the night sky.
Leave a Reply