April 15 – April 29 · Lyra
Lyrids
The oldest recorded shower
See the Lyrids from your location
See the exact local peak time and how high the radiant climbs from where you are.
What is the Lyrids meteor shower?
The oldest meteor shower on record — Chinese astronomers noted it 2,700 years ago. A modest but reliable spring shower that occasionally surprises with brief outbursts and bright fireballs.
When do the Lyrids peak in 2026?
The Lyrids peak on the night of April 22, 2026. Under ideal dark skies with the radiant high overhead they can produce up to 18 meteors an hour — the number you'll actually see depends on your latitude, the moon, and how dark your sky is.
Lyrids at a glance
Where the Lyrids come from
The Lyrids are debris shed by C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), a comet. Each year the Earth ploughs through this ancient trail of dust and the specks burn up in our atmosphere as meteors.
How to watch the Lyrids
Get away from city lights
Light pollution is the enemy. A dark rural sky can turn a handful of meteors into dozens.
Look up after midnight
Most showers are best between midnight and dawn, when your side of Earth turns to face the debris stream head-on.
Let your eyes adapt
Give your eyes 20 minutes in the dark and put the phone away. Then just watch — meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
Common questions about the Lyrids
When do the Lyrids peak in 2026?+
The Lyrids reach their maximum on the night of April 22, 2026, though a few meteors are visible from April 15 – April 29.
Where should I look to see the Lyrids?+
The meteors radiate from the constellation Lyra, but they streak across the whole sky — you don't need to find the radiant. Just face the darkest part of your sky and take in as much of it as you can.
Do I need a telescope to watch the Lyrids?+
No. Meteor showers are a naked-eye event — a telescope's narrow view would only work against you. All you need is a dark sky, a reclining chair, and some patience.
What causes the Lyrids?+
The Lyrids happen when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by C/1861 G1 (Thatcher). The dust grains hit our atmosphere at 49 km/s and burn up as bright streaks of light.
Other meteor showers
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