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Earth_First

(14,910 posts)
Sun Apr 21, 2013, 08:06 PM Apr 2013

Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight...

Lyrid meteor shower is peaking now

The annual Lyrid meteor shower will peak Sunday night and early Monday, but the moon's bright light may spoil the celestial fireworks display.

The Lyrid meteor shower occurs each year in mid-April when the Earth passes through a trail of dusty debris from the Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1), which orbits the sun once every 415 years. Humans have been observing this particular meteor shower for at least 2,600 years.

Typically, the Lyrid meteor shower is a relatively faint stargazing event, though observers with clear dark skies away from city lights can usually spot up to 15 or 20 meteors an hour. The meteors appear to radiate out of the constellation Lyra (hence their name), which can be found in the eastern night sky tonight. [Amazing Lyrid meteor shower photos of 2012]

The best time to seek Lyrid meteors is actually in the wee hours of Monday morning after the moon has set, but before the sun rises. This observing window opens at about 4 a.m. your local time and can close by about 4:30 a.m. At that time the Lyrid radiate will nearly directly overhead in the night sky, Rao explained.

http://science.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/21/17851482-lyrid-meteor-shower-is-peaking-now?lite

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Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight... (Original Post) Earth_First Apr 2013 OP
Thanks for the reminder! I hope I can get my butt out of bed for it. GreenPartyVoter Apr 2013 #1
Thank you for these reminders mainer Apr 2013 #2
Here's a great list for 2013 you can bookmark or pint: Earth_First Apr 2013 #3

mainer

(12,018 posts)
2. Thank you for these reminders
Sun Apr 21, 2013, 08:14 PM
Apr 2013

I live in an area of dark skies but can never remember when the meteor showers occur.

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