Springtime Sky Show: The Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025

The Lyrid meteor shower is a yearly event that lights up the night sky with shooting stars. It starts on April 16 and wraps up on April 25. The main event, though, happens on April 22. This is when Earth travels through the thickest part of the debris left by Comet Thatcher. The result? A spectacular display of shooting stars. To get the best view, plan to stay up late or wake up early. The prime time is around 3 or 4 a. m. local time. Why so early? The sky is at its darkest then, and the radiant, the point where the meteors seem to come from, is highest in the sky. The higher the radiant, the more meteors you'll see. But here's a tip: don't look straight at the radiant. Instead, look a bit to the side. You'll catch the longest, brightest trails that way. Meteor showers are more active after midnight. Before midnight, Earth's side is facing away from the debris stream. But after midnight, you're on the front side, facing the stream directly. It's like driving through a rainstorm. You hit more raindrops on the front windshield than the rear. The Lyrid meteor shower is a great chance to see shooting stars. It's a reminder of the amazing things happening in our solar system. Comet Thatcher leaves behind a trail of debris. When Earth passes through it, we get a meteor shower. It's a natural spectacle that's been happening for thousands of years. So, mark your calendar for April 22, 2025. Find a dark spot away from city lights. Look up at the sky, and enjoy the show. It's a chance to connect with the universe and appreciate its beauty.