There is a spectacular show this weekend and it’s absolutely free to view for everyone. What are we talking about? The annual Lyrids Meteor Shower.
Skywatchers can finally enjoy the thrill of observing shooting stars this weekend with the April Lyrids Meteor Shower.
What is the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
The Lyrids are an annual meteor shower that take place in April.
This will be the break of a “meteor drought” of a 109 days- approximately 15 weeks. For those who enjoy watching the night sky for the sight of meteors or falling stars, it has been quiet for a few months.
The Lyrids’ radiant or emanation point is about 6 degrees southwest of the brilliant bluish star Vega in the Lyra constellation. The showers generally yield only about 10 to 20 meteors per hour at maximum.
What time can you see the Lyrids Meteor Shower?
The Lyrid meteor shower will be most visible on the evening of April 22 into the morning of April 23. The best time to watch is when the sky is fully dark, between when the moon sets and dawn.
Although, it has been cloudy and rainy in Ghana this past April, the chances of catching a glimpse of the Lyrids is not far gone.
The shower is above one-quarter peak strength before and after maximum so one still has the opportunity to catch a few Lyrids a day or two before or after the time of their peak activity.
Best way to watch the Lyrids
There is no special equipment required to view the metero shower. The best way to watch, according to NASA, is simply go outside and find an area of the sky that is dark, open and away from artificial lights. We suggest you settle into a garden chair or lay down on a blanket and gaze into the sky to relax and enjoy the annual show.
