The Lyrid meteor shower will peak tonight, offering a beautiful display of shooting stars. Under ideal conditions, you might see up to 15-20 meteors per hour. These meteors appear to originate from the constellation Lyra, which is located southwest of the bright star Vega.
The Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest known, with records going back 2,700 years. This shower happens as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, which orbits the Sun every 415 years. While typically producing around 10-15 meteors per hour, the Lyrids are known for occasional surges. In rare instances, they can produce up to 100 meteors per hour.
For the best viewing experience, find a spot away from city lights. The minimal light from the waning crescent moon will make it easier to see the meteors. It's best to view them after about 10:30 p.m. local time until dawn, with the best viewing around 5 a.m. Remember to give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Be patient, and enjoy the cosmic spectacle!