What’s the phrase? April showers bring May flowers. While the almond blossom trees are sprouting to create a beautiful scene, there is another type of April shower that is bringing an even more stunning view– meteor showers! More specifically, April is the time where the Lyrids meteor showers peak. One of the most historic meteor showers, the Lyrids earn their name from the constellation they originate from: the Lyra or the harp.
Before exploring this celestial phenomenon deeper, let’s zoom out to what meteor showers actually are. Adam Mann, a writer for the New York Times, explains that the dazzling sight happens when debris particles from celestial bodies burn up in the atmosphere. When a meteor shower peaks, viewers are able to spot the most shooting stars and meteors in the sky in an hour. This occurs when the Earth moves through the densest part of the debris field, but meteors may still be visible before and after. Not only does the burning of these celestial bodies create the trail of light we typically see, but it allows for consistency with the yearly timing of meteor showers.
The Lyrids are one of the most historic showers and the first major spring shower to occur on this schedule. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Lyrids date all the way back to 687 BC. The spectacular sight was first recorded as occurring in Ancient China, making it the oldest major meteor shower. It is typically active from April 17th to April 26th with its peak usually falling on the 21st and 22nd.
Another unique factor of the Lyrids is that, unlike other meteor showers, they don’t leave a glowing train behind them. Instead, the shower produces fireballs or astounding, sporadic flashes of light. These flashes of light can be strong enough to occasionally create shadows that last for just a flash. In addition to being known for its brightness, the Lyrids are also known for their speed. Although not as fast as some of its counterparts, on average, they can shower at five to six meteors per hour. At their peak, viewers are able to see all the way up to twenty astonishing meteors per hour.
The spectacular view is best seen in the Northern Hemisphere before dawn as this is when the shower is typically highest in the sky. For a great viewing experience, grab some blankets and pillows and escape to a rural area with minimal light pollution. According to an article from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, having your feet face east while laying down helps for optimal viewing of the showers. Additionally, an almost-full or full moon can make it harder to see the striking display, so try and avoid watching on nights like these. A wonderful experience to share with friends you can save the date in your planner and follow a Meteor Shower Calendar from a reputable source. This April try to carve time to seek beauty not only in the rainfall but in the night sky.
By Kaylan Rizkalli, Member of the Danville Youth Council