If you’re a fan of skygazing, you might want to keep Monday evening free in your diary.
The Lyrid Meteor Shower will peak on Monday night, providing you with the opportunity to see shooting stars in the night sky.
During its peak, there’s expected to be as many as 20 meteors per hour, meaning there’s a pretty good chance you’ll see one.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Lyrid Meteor Shower, including what it is, and how you can see it.
What is the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
The Lyrid Meteor Shower occurs in April every year, as dust from the Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere.
Pink Moon will light up skies tonight - but it will actually appear ORANGE
When this dust enters Earth’s atmosphere, it burns up, producing a trail of light through the sky.
It takes its name from the Lyra constellation, from which the meteors appear to radiate.
When is the Lyrid Meteor Shower 2019?
The Lyrid Meteor Shower takes place from April 16-25 this year.
Astronomical events in April 2019 - including Lyrid meteor shower and 'Pink Moon'
However, the shower will peak on the evening of April 22. For your best chance of seeing one, look to the skies from around 21:00 BST on the 22nd.
How to see a meteor
For your best chance of seeing a meteor, try to head to an area with little light pollution - for example in the countryside.
Starry skies in England obliterated by light pollution - with only 2% experiencing 'true darkness'
Head out early if possible, to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. This will ensure that any meteors will be visible to the naked eye.
While temperatures are rising in the UK, it might be wise to bring layers and a blanket to lie on.
When is the next meteor shower?
If you miss the Lyrid Meteor Shower, thankfully there’s not long to wait before the next meteor shower.
The Eta Aquarids will peak on the evening of May 6, and will be even more impressive than the Lyrids, with up to 30 shooting stars every hour!
